The Salem Seminoles varsity baseball team dropped a 3-2 decision to Clarke Central Monday, as starting pitcher Rocky Mauriello took the loss on the mound even though the righty threw all seven innings.

Despite the complete outing, Mauriello gave up three runs on four hits, but allowed just two earned runs in the loss. Mauriello also struck out nine Gladitors while Salem struggled at the plate with runners in scoring position.

“Our struggles with runners in scoring position have cost us several wins this year," Salem coach Chad Kitchens said. "Last night was another example of this.  We had several opportunities to get a big lead, and we just didn’t come through.  Again, we doubled the amount of hits they had, but we can’t get enough when it matters most.  It is quite frustrating because Rocky threw a gem."

Jordan Johnson led the Seminoles at the plate, picking up a pair of hits, including a double, in the loss. Yourel James added a triple and an RBI and Ndiayemon Harrison finished with a base knock and three assists in the field.

Salem returns to action Wednesday on the road in the second series match-up against the Gladiators. Game time is set for 5:55 p.m.