RidgeYaks Win Nail-biter Over Delmarva in Season Opener

Salem's new identity team rallies late to take first game 5-4

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes of navy, green, and red conveying the energy and drama of the RidgeYaks' season-opening win.The RidgeYaks' thrilling Opening Day victory sets the stage for an exciting new era in Salem baseball.Salem Today

The Salem RidgeYaks (1-0) opened their inaugural season with a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds (0-1) on Opening Day. Rookie pitcher Dylan Brown tossed five scoreless innings, and the RidgeYaks offense came alive late to hold off a Delmarva comeback attempt.

Why it matters

After 16 years as the Salem Red Sox, the team's rebrand to the RidgeYaks has generated excitement in the community. This win marks the start of a new era for the franchise as they look to build on last season's success.

The details

Rookie left-hander Dylan Brown made a strong professional debut, going five scoreless innings and allowing just two hits with six strikeouts. The RidgeYaks offense jumped out to a 4-0 lead through three innings, with Skylar King driving in three runs on two doubles. Delmarva chipped away late, scoring three runs in the final two innings, but the RidgeYaks held on for the win.

  • The game was played on Opening Day, Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The RidgeYaks last won an Opening Day game in 2019.

The players

Dylan Brown

A 21-year-old left-handed pitcher who was selected in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox and made his professional debut as the RidgeYaks' Opening Day starter.

Skylar King

The RidgeYaks' cleanup hitter, who drove in three runs on two doubles and tied his career high for RBIs in a single game.

Delmarva Shorebirds

The RidgeYaks' opponent, a minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, who fell to 0-1 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“After 16 years of being known as the Salem Red Sox, the wait is over, and the Yaks start the year 1-0.”

— Braden Schenck, Author

What’s next

The RidgeYaks and Shorebirds will face off again on Friday, April 4, 2026, with the RidgeYaks looking to clinch the opening series victory.

The takeaway

The RidgeYaks' Opening Day win showcases the team's blend of new talent and returning players, as they look to build momentum in their first season under a new identity.