By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  Rivalry games are a fixture in athletics.

Even a rain-postponement can’t slow down the excitement of this game as the McKay-North Salem baseball game moved to Monday from Friday afternoon.

For the Vikings (6-10, 2-5 GVC), confidence is high as they look to end the first half of Greater Valley Conference on a strong note against the Royal Scots Monday afternoon following their 8-2 win over West Albany Wednesday to break a four-game losing streak.

Head Coach Chris Lee knows that McKay will be coming out swinging despite their 4-11 overall record and 1-6 record in league as they hope to continue their strong spark from Wednesday’s game.

“We are always looking to build momentum going in a positive, forward direction,” said Lee.  “McKay has improved a lot, having played a lot of teams tough this season. We look forward to the challenge and setting ourselves up for a good second half of league play.”

Improved has the Scots.

Despite their record, the young McKay team, with shortstop Noah Tavera leading the way, challenged the West Salem Titans in a 5-4 loss to start GVC play after leading 4-1 entering the seventh inning and snapped a 20-game GVC losing streak the next game versus West Albany.

For McKay, they know they’re ready for yet another great test ahead for them despite a rain delay that pushed the game from Friday to Monday afternoon.

“They’re our rival school. I know we always competed against them so it’s going to be a tough game,” said Noah Tavera.

“It’s our last game in the half so I think it’ll give us some momentum heading into the second half and I know it’s going to be a competitive game but I think as long as we come in with our heads held up high, we’ll accomplish anything.”

Both teams are looking

What a way to end the first half of the Greater Valley Conference, against one’s rival.

A rival that is only three miles apart from each other.

The first act of this two-part series will be slated for Monday afternoon at 3pm at McKay High School.