Salem University Defeats Penn State-Mont Alto 8-3 in USCAA to Capture Small College World Series Title
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 16, 2025
DUBOIS, Pennsylvania - Following the semifinal victory, the Salem Tigers Baseball team had one more task to do. The Tigers were now competing for the USCAA Small College World Series Championship in a rematch against the Penn State Mont Alto Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions were able to get the early lead, but a massive 2nd inning led Salem to be the champions. Salem defeated Penn State Mont Alto
8-3 to claim the USCAA Championship.
8-3 to claim the USCAA Championship.
It would be Erik Kovach getting the start on the mound for Salem. In the top of the 1st, the Nittany Lions opened the game up with a 2-run homer to right field. Hunter Rose would answer back for Salem in the bottom of the 2nd with a grand slam to right field. Jose Lojo, Kylian Izaguirre, and Jacob Hurley all scored on the play to give the Tigers the 4-2 advantage. Aaron Forbes followed that up with a 2-run homer of his own. Reese Rinna scored. However, the Tigers weren't finished in the 2nd as Jacob Hurley hit a 2 rbi single to knock in Joe Wintermute and Luis Angarita.
After the massive 2nd inning, the Tigers now had a commanding 8-2 lead. The Nittany Lions were able to get some hits but couldn't get anything on in the run column. In the 6th, the Nittany Lions were able to get on the board with a rbi double. Fortunately, Salem was able to close out the game to secure the championship victory by a final of 8-3.
Salem USCAA Tournament Awards
- Hunter Rose Tournament MVP
- Jose Lojo All-Tournament Team
- Jacob Hurley All-Tournament Team
- Aaron Forbes All-Tournament Team
As the season ends, the Tigers will now reflect on an incredible postseason run. With that championship win, Salem now finishes the season above .500. Head Coach Kassidy Gaines and staff will now head into the offseason after a successful postseason. The Tigers will now look to keep the momentum rolling into next season and capture more success.
