Salem drops final two games to Flowery Branch

As of Saturday, April 28, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Newton Citizen

Salem's season came to an end Thursday as Flowery Branch won both ends of a doubleheader to win the region playoff series 2-1. Despite 6 innings of four-run ball from Garrett Needham, Salem couldn't get anything going offensively and lost the first game 4-0.

"Pretty good outing, and he gave us a chance to win. We just didn't hit ... couldn't ever get a hit with runners in scoring position," said Salem coach Chad Kitchens.

Flowery Branch cruised to a 22-0 win in three innings in the third game to clinch the series. One bright spot for Salem was Zach Bailey's game two stolen base, which was his 61st career steal, setting the new school record.

Salem, which finished the season 8-18, won in thrilling fashion in the opener of the series Wednesday. Eric Bechet, who earned the win with six relief innings of three earned-run ball, had one of his three hits in the top of the 12th inning and scored the eventual winning run in the Seminoles' 8-7 victory. The Seminoles looked to be in control of the game, leading by five runs heading to the bottom of the eighth. But the host Falcons scored five times in their half to pull even.

"That was one of the best high school games I've ever been a part of," Kitchens said. "I was very proud of our effort. We showed a lot of poise and resiliency to win that game."

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