By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

Goffstown News/Marc Thaler Goffstown High catcher Steve Case (No. 9) is mobbed by teammates after launching a fourth-inning home run to deep center field. After falling behind to visiting Salem High, 1-0, in the top of the inning, Goffstown quickly pulled even on Case’s round-tripper at Lion’s Field. The hosts scored another run in the inning for a 2-1 lead that held until the sixth, when Salem struck for the tying run. In the seventh, Blue Devil Matt Delaney deposited a leadoff homer over the left-center field fence, accounting for the 3-2 final on April 17.

A solid outing from sophomore Kory Kiro and a booming blast off the bat of catcher Steve Case weren’t enough to secure Goffstown’s second win of the young Class L baseball season against Salem.

In the Grizzlies’ 3-2 loss to the state title contenders at Lion’s Field on Monday, April 17, Kiro struck out five and allowed two runs in six innings. Earning a no-decision, the GHS hurler mixed a blazing fastball and sharp curve that stifled several Blue Devil bats.

Though Salem’s lead runner reached first base in all seven innings, GHS escaped potentially disastrous situations.

“From that, I take that we played outstanding defense; making the plays when we had to, always getting an out, which is what we preach,” Goffstown head coach Matt Benson said. “I’d prefer we (retire the opponent) 1-2-3, but the defense was fantastic.”

After three scoreless innings, Salem took a 1-0 lead in the fourth after stranding seven runners through three frames.

In the home fourth, however, the Grizzlies grabbed the lead – and momentum – touching Salem ace Tom Sweeney for two runs. Case’s homer and Joe Torre’s RBI single resulted in a 2-1 edge.

While Goffstown’s lead held through the fifth, single Salem runs in the final two frames were the difference.

“There’s nothing to hang our heads about; we played very well. We pitched well. We played good defense. It was a good baseball game,” Benson said. “I told the kids we can play with anyone. (Salem is) one of the top teams in the state. I was really happy with the performance.”