The Salem Blue Devils are right where their head coach expected them to be, but Dan Keleher said his team should be able to exceed expectations.

Salem finds itself in the middle of the Class L postseason picture with an 8-7 record, but the Blue Devils need to find offensive firepower to return to where last season ended – in the state title game.

Keleher’s team has averaged little more than four runs per game, an issue the mentor anticipated entering the year.

“In certain areas, like defense, they’re up to par. It’s just been a lack of offense that has gotten us so far,” said Keleher. “It’s something that we predicted.”

The struggles at the plate may be partially explained by the opponents on the mound; Keleher said his lineup has seen just about every team’s No. 1 pitcher. The coach said the experience bodes well for his team entering the postseason since the players know what to expect from potential playoff foes.

For the Blue Devils to make another deep tournament run this year, they need to continue to pile up solid performances from starting pitchers Nick Poore and Jake Lambert.

Both have been consistent this year, with two of Poore’s setbacks coming against Central and Keene, when his offense mustered a combined two runs.

“Some people say you need three starters to be successful, but you definitely need two to go deep in the tournament,” said Keleher. “There are a lot of teams that have that, but our guys are just as good as anyone else’s aces.”

One of the most consistent aspects for the Blue Devils has been the middle-infield play of second baseman Matt Gioia and shortstop Jordan Estevez, who also hit at the top of the order.

Keleher said the two play defense so well that anything they add offensively is a bonus.

Captain Josh Heil showed his leadership skills after seeing his team struggle to find someone to fortify the center field position with any success. Heil, who started the year as a third baseman, volunteered to make the move to the outfield, where he has played for the last five games.

“It’s not surprising. He’s done everything since the winter for these guys,” said Keleher. “The amount of respect they show every day is evident. He’s a great team leader.”

Despite hovering around the .500 mark, Keleher knows the Class L bracket is wide open.

“With solid pitching, which we have, you can be in the semifinals in what seems like the blink of an eye,” said the coach. “Once you get there, anything can happen.”