The Emery Spartans remain in contention for a state championship after going 1-1 at the 3A tournament this past Saturday in Nephi.

Entering as the No. 3 seed from Region 15, the Spartans opened the tournament up against South Summit, the No. 3 seed from Region 13. Despite going the full seven innings, Emery fell in lopsided fashion 14-0.

Failing to plate a run in the setback, the Emery offense was held to just four hits in the full length game. Trailing 5-0 entering the top of the seventh, the Spartans allowed nine Summit Academy runs in the setback.

Senior Cade Brazier was hit with the loss on the mound after pitching six full innings and allowing only five hits. Despite Summit Academy scoring five runs on Brazier’s watch, none were earned. Logan Healy and Trevin Wakefield worked the final inning of play in relief.

As a team the Spartans committed six errors, which contributed to a deficit in the opening inning.

Senior catcher Jesse Barnett led the Spartans at the plate as he finished 2-2 with one walk and a double. Koda Alton and Luke Stilson each logged one single to round out the hits for Emery.

Saturday’s early morning loss sent the Spartans into the one-loss bracket against Grand in an elimination game. With the season on the line Emery responded with a 3-2 win over the region foe, advancing in the tournament.

Trailing 1-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, Emery plated three runs to take the lead for good. Grand responded with one run in the sixth, but left bases loaded as the Spartans escaped a dangerous spot.

Alton recorded the win on the mound, allowing just four hits and two earned runs, while striking out three in 5.2 innings of action. Kason Stilson worked the final four outs for the save.

Still alive in the double-elimination tournament, the Spartans will now have to win seven consecutive games in order to claim the state title. Up first will be a rematch with the Carbon Dinos Thursday afternoon.

The win-or-go-home meeting will mark the second of the season between the two teams. The Dinos won the first 11-3 back on April 15.

Live coverage of Thursday’s contest will begin on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM at 1:00 p.m.. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 1:30. The live audio stream will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.

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