Zac Bradley’s stellar performance lifted the Helper Merchants past Taylorsville in a 12-2 victory in the opening round of the Utah American Legion State Tournament Thursday evening in Pleasant Grove.

Entering as the No. 2 seed from the Southern Division, Helper wasted little time developing a comfortable lead with a four run first inning. The Merchants added four more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, ending the game early with the 10-run mercy rule.

Bradley delivered a complete game effort from the mound, holding the dangerous Taylorsville squad to just two runs. He helped his own cause offensively with a three-run triple in the fourth frame.

Thursday’s win sets up an important Saturday tilt with either St. George or Roosevelt at 12:00 p.m.. A win would move Helper into the weekend’s championship game, which will work as seeding for next week’s final four finale.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for updates regarding the American Legion State Championship Tournament.