By Barbara Boxleitner,
Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers
J.T. Salter is settling in as a pitcher in the Seattle Mariners minor-league system. The Baldwin County High School graduate is in his first season with the club's affiliate in the rookie Arizona League. The right-hander, who competed for University of West Alabama, was selected in the 20th round of the recent Major League Baseball Draft. He signed June 12 and reported June 18 to the rookie team.
In his June 21 debut, Salter suffered the loss after allowing no hits and one earned run in two-thirds of an inning. He walked four batters. During an appearance Saturday, he earned his first save by throwing one hitless, scoreless inning.
He entered July with a 0-1 record, one save and a 3.38 earned run average in three games.
Men's golf
Matt Lorenz won the Alabama State Amateur Championship. The Gulf Shores High School product shot 270 (65-71-67-67) to prevail by five strokes. The rising junior for University of Southern Mississippi posted the lowest 72-hole score in championship history.
University of Alabama at Birmingham's John Racciatti Jr. finished fourth in the Alabama State Amateur Championship. The Fairhope resident shot 278 (75-69-71-63).
Men's outdoor track and field
Meridian Community College freshman Javon Brown placed second in the triple jump at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Championship. The Spanish Fort High graduate was named a second-team All-American.
Another from the Toros, Stephan Holcombe of Meridian Community College ran the second leg of the 4-by-400-meter relay that finished second at the NJCAA championship. The sophomore was cited as a second-team All-American.
Women's golf
Fairhope High alumna Virginia Green carded a 230 (75-74-81) for Vanderbilt University at the Tallahassee Regional. The true freshman finished with a 75.33 stroke average in 30 rounds. Her best finish this year was a tie for third at the University of Central Florida Challenge, where she led the Commodores.
Elaine Wood, coming off a string of recent pro victories, failed to qualify for the NW Arkansas Championship. The past Toro was among three to shoot 67 and tie for third in the qualifier, with the two who shot 65 moving on.
Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.