By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.– Walk off Victories are one of the many reasons why people play the great sport of baseball.

That’s how the game between North Salem baseball and Sherwood ended Thursday afternoon, a walk off 2-1 victory in the eighth inning as the Vikings won their three straight game in three straight games.

Noah Boatwright was responsible for the feat as he brought home Dalton Garza from third base to end the game following an intentional walk to power hitter Cole Hamilton.

“A lot of teams strategize putting Cole on because the damage he has done in the past,” said Boatwright.  “I knew that going up so I had a good approach going up and I knew if I made contact I can beat it out and we can win the game with one out.”

More on the play later.

North Head Coach Chris Lee liked how his team stayed within themselves in the win.

“The kids bounced back well and they stayed in the game they didn’t let the moment overtake them, they stayed within themselves and played baseball,” described Lee about the game.

The Resilient Vikings.  It has a sort of a tune to it.

Boatwright described his team as resilient, not giving up runs.

Lee added that Sherwood Bowman’s Adley Rutschman’s solo homerun in the sixth, was only the second inning in the last 22 that the North Salem Nine has given up a run, adding to the resiliency of this team.

Sean Alvarado, who pitched a complete game, knew he had to do what he’s good at and trust his defense as the team entered the seventh and eighth innings tied at one apiece.

“I just tried to throw strikes as best as I could,” described Alvarado from his angle on the mound as to the game plan.  “Have them put the ball into play cause I trust my teammates 100-percent.”

As Garza gets on base, a sac fly and a steal later that was followed up by an intentional walk on Cole Hamilton had set up the massive hit for Boatwright for the win, the Viks know that they need to continue this success to Friday’s game versus West Linn with the Greater Valley Conference coming up next week.

Boatwright spoke highly of his pitcher and their defense as they look to carry this momentum going forward.

“Our guy on the bump today was nails, we’ll give up solo shots on day cause that’s only one pitch, other than that, we held them scoreless.  I was really proud of our defense today,” said Boatwright.  “Any game like this shows our resilience and that’s good, I like our fight so this looks good going forward.

“If we keep playing our game, be a defensive minded team and get hits when we need them to, I think we’ll be good going forward going into league.

As Boatwright’s hit was dribbling towards the Bowman shortstop and Sherwood tried to turn the double play, Alvarado agrees with his teammate that they need to continue this momentum going forward.

“If we just keep head into the game and we focus on what we need to do as a team and we stay together, then that’ll keep the momentum going,” started Alvarado.  “It starts with the dugout, then it comes out to the infield then the outfield.  If we play as one, we’ll be great.”

The double play fell short at first base, ending in a heroic win for North and sadness for the Bowman.

With West Linn coming to Schaefer Stadium Friday, the Vikings will have a chance for a four-game winning streak for when they face McNary Tuesday to start GVC play.

“Our pitchers are doing a really good job right now,” said Lee. “We’ve thrown zeros in 19 of the last 22 innings and that gives you a lot of confidence that you can stay in the game, so that’s helped us a lot.  We’ve just got to get our bats uncorked and get them going.”

First pitch against the Lions of West Linn is at 5pm.

PHOTO GALLERY BY JEREMY MCDONALD