Salem outslugs Swampscott, in Gallant final for first time in 23 years
Salem slugger Ben Kapnis belted his sixth and seventh homers of the 25th annual Gallant tournament to help the youngsters from the Witch City topple Swampscott, 17-13, last night in the loser's bracket final at Stephen O'Grady Field at Forest River Park.
Kelly Abreau and Eric MacAdams also his long balls as once-beaten Salem advanced to the tournament final for the first time in 23 years. They face unbeaten Peabody tonight in the final (6:30 p.m.), needing to beat them twice to be crowned champions.
"Neither team wanted to lose. It was a tough game because the pitching was pretty depleted on both sides," said Salem coach Steve Nygren. "We got a total team effort all the way."
Salem pulled ahead late in the game, 11-7, and while it never lost the lead, Swampscott just kept coming back at the hosts. The gap closed to one at 11-10 before Salem extended its lead yet again thanks to key hits from Jared Louf-Woods and Nick Latham.
Aiden Scrimgeour pitched the final two innings of the game and got out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth to earn the save for Salem. He was also 3 for 4 at the dish.
