Salisbury High School baseball had a run in the early 2010s of multiple Colonial League and District 11 championships, but over the last few years the Falcons had not made the postseason. But in his second season as head coach after taking over for his own former high school head coach Mike Pochron, Just Aungst has brought the Falcons back to playoff baseball this season.

“I’m really proud of the guys,” said Aungst. “I told them it’s been quite some time since Salisbury was in a playoff game and it’s something they should be proud of and enjoy the opportunity.”

The Falcons finished the regular season at 9-11 overall and 8-10 in the Colonial League because a minimum of six teams get into the Class 3A district tourney. Salisbury is the three seed and will more than likely play Palmerton next Tuesday, May 24. The two teams last met later in April on April 27, a 4-3 decision in favor of the Blue Bombers.

Still, Aungst is happy with how his team has performed, especially under different circumstances still.

“I thought that the season was up and down as a whole,” said Aungst. “We played well at times and I think under performed at other times. The season was unique. We thought we’d be back to normal after COVID and bam. A sink hole opens up [at our home field] and we have to get on a bus for every game.”

Following his first full season in 2021, Aungst has used this year to continue to grow and experience all that there is of running a team.

“Being that it’s only my second full year, I’m still learning,” Aungst said. “But yes, I think we made some adjustments this year and kept these kids on track even though a unique situation like we had this season without a home field.”

So, with over a week off since the end of the regular season and the start of districts, what have the Falcons been working on at practice?

“Our number one thing we have been working on to improve is defense,” Aungst said. “We need to defend better in order to give ourselves a chance to win. If we do that, the hits and runs will come and we’ll see the results we want.”

Aungst also highlighted a couple of standout performers that he has had over the last couple of weeks.

“Thomas Lovelidge has taken a step forward this season, especially on the mound,” said Aungst. “Tim Schware has led our pitching staff and Matt Nunez has swung the bat well, especially towards the end of the season.”