By Keith Harrington

Salem used a five-run fifth inning to blow open a close game and went on to defeat Granville 7-1 in the Adirondack League softball championship game at Moreau Rec. on Friday afternoon.

It was the first league title for the Generals since the 2017 season.

The game was tight early as starting pitchers Sophia Keyes of Salem and Lauren Bascom of Granville were locked in a pitcher’s duel.

Salem took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Bella Eastman singled to begin the inning. Keyes then blasted a no-doubt-about-it home run over the centerfield fence to give the Generals a 2-0 advantage. It turned out to be all that they needed.

Salem put the game away in the fifth. The Generals sent 11 batters to the plate in the frame and took advantage of several Granville miscues to extend the lead to 7-1.

The Golden Horde got on the scoreboard in the sixth on an RBI double by Ella Olsen.

Keyes earned the win in the circle, spinning a two-hitter with nine strikeouts.

Olsen finished with two doubles for Granville. Cecil Velez, Megan Decker, and Lilly Baker also had hits for the Golden Horde.

It was Granville’s first trip ever to the championship game.

Salem is now 13-3 and looks forward to moving on to defending their Class D sectional title.

Granville ends the regular season 11-4 and will look to continue their season in the sectional tournament.