The South Salem High School baseball team is heading into the postseason undefeated, carrying a 27-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the state into the first round of the playoffs Monday, May 26, against the Beaverton Beavers.
The Saxons, who have dominated opponents all season with a blend of pitching depth, defensive consistency and timely hitting, will host their opening-round playoff game at Gilmore Field in Salem. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Led by head coach Jesse Price, now in his seventh year at the helm, South Salem has outscored its opponents by more than 150 runs and boasts a team ERA under 2.00.
“It’s hard not to feel as good as possible,” Price said following the regular-season finale. “They’ve won in just about every way imaginable, so obviously it feels very good.”
Still, Price urged focus as the Saxons pursue their first state championship since 2009.
“We want to remain cautiously optimistic and not celebrate anything yet,” he said. “The goal ahead is the state title.”
Beaverton (11-16) will look to play spoiler, but South Salem enters the playoffs as a clear favorite and one of the most complete teams in Oregon high school baseball.
