The Emery Spartans completed a Region 15 double-header sweep over the North Sanpete Hawks Tuesday afternoon in Castle Dale.
“We’ve been playing pretty good baseball. We struggled to hit the ball today, but we got the win,” said manager Rob Smith. “I told the boys it was ugly, but a win is a win, and that was our goal.”
Entering with an unbeaten record in Region 15 play, the Spartans used two late rallies to top the Hawks. The first game ended 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh as Emery scored two runs. The second game ended in similar fashion, giving the Spartans a 7-5 victory.
Cade Brazier pitched lights out for the Spartans in the first game of the double-header. Using just 72 pitches, Brazier struck out seven batters, while allow only three hits. The win moves Brazier to 3-0 on the mound this season.
“Cade threw really well and kept them off balance,” said Smith. “Getting a complete game from him is going to help us considering the restrictions and having to play three games this week.”
As a team the Spartans accumulated six hits as three players finished with two a piece. Brax Jensen ended 2-4 in the box, finishing with two RBIs and one single. Kyson Stilson mirrored Jensen’s stat line, while Jesse Barnett also finished with two singles.
Trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the sixth, the Spartans recorded six runs to rally past the Hawks for the second win.
Logan Healy picked up the win in a relief effort, pitching 2.2 innings of action. Koda Alton was tagged with the no decision after starting the first four frames.
“It’s always tough to win two games back-to-back games no matter who you play,” said Smith. “It was nice playing at home, knowing the field and how the ball bounces. Luckily we were able to come out with two wins.”
The win comes despite the team logging only six hits throughout the contest. The Spartans found a way to capitalize on errors and other mistakes committed by the Hawks.
Emery, now 4-0 in Region 15 play, will return to the field on Wednesday to take on the Union Cougars in a non-league contest.