The Salem Red Sox defeated the Fredericksburg Nationals 6-2 on April 9, 2025. The Nationals struggled offensively, managing only four hits and narrowly avoiding a shutout with two runs in the eighth inning. Salem’s pitching was dominant, with starter Steven Brooks delivering five scoreless innings in his professional debut, allowing just one hit and striking out four. Reliever Matt McShane continued the momentum with 2.1 hitless innings and six strikeouts.
Fredericksburg’s starter, Davian Garcia, had a tough outing, giving up four runs in the third inning, including doubles by Salem’s Franklin Arias and Antonio Anderson. Arias, a top prospect, had another multi-hit game, continuing his strong start to the season.
The Nationals’ late rally included a triple by Elijah Nunez and an RBI single by Nate Rombach, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Salem’s early lead. The series now stands at 1-1, with the next game set to feature Fredericksburg’s Bryan Polanco against Salem’s Brandon Clarke.
Inning Highlights
3rd Inning: Salem Red Sox exploded with 4 runs, featuring doubles by Franklin Arias and Antonio Anderson. Fredericksburg’s starter Davian Garcia struggled, allowing multiple hits and walks.
5th Inning: Salem added 2 more runs, solidifying their lead.
8th Inning: Fredericksburg avoided a shutout with 2 runs, thanks to Elijah Nunez’s triple and Nate Rombach’s RBI single.
Player Stats
Salem Red Sox:
Franklin Arias: Multi-hit game, including a double.
Antonio Anderson: Contributed with a key double.
Steven Brooks: Dominant pitching debut, 5 scoreless innings, 1 hit, 4 strikeouts.
Matt McShane: Relieved Brooks with 2.1 hitless innings, 6 strikeouts.
Fredericksburg Nationals:
Elijah Nunez: Triple and an RBI.
Nate Rombach: RBI single.
Davian Garcia: Struggled on the mound, allowing 4 runs in the 3rd inning.
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