The Helper Merchants delivered a wire-to-wire victory in the first of four games in four days, topping the Union Cougars 6-2 Wednesday night at Ernie Gardner Field in Helper.

Playing for just the second time this season, Helper was dominate from the beginning. Taking a lead in the first inning, the Merchants used steady defense and savvy base running to secure their first win of the season and improve to 1-1 in the process.

A total of three Helper pitchers held Union intact throughout the evening. Keaton Rich started the contest, giving the squad three solid innings. Wyatt Falk and Tyler Wright each gave two innings of relief work to help complete the contest.

Braxton Bennett helped the Helper offense, which battled inconsistencies throughout the game. Bennett scored the game’s first run on a fielder’s choice, finished 1-2 at the plate and logged three stolen bases.

Jordan Fossat laced a two RBI double as he finished 2-4 at the dish. Jordan Wright ended 1-2 with a double, while Cayden Steele and Falk each scored one run.

With the Helper American Legion Tournament now off and running, Helper will return to the field Thursday night for a meeting with Tooele at 8:00 p.m.. The Merchants will then return to the field Friday night to face Skyline, again at 8:00.

Following Thursday and Friday’s slate of games, the eight teams will be paired according to record for the final placing on Saturday. Below is the complete remaining tournament schedule:

Thursday, June 11:

9:00 a.m.- Skyline VS Union
11:45 a.m.- Richfield VS Alta
2:30 p.m.- Alta VS Hurricane
5:15 p.m.- Hurricane VS Salem Hills
8:00 p.m.- Helper VS Tooele

Friday, June 12:

9:00 a.m.- St. George VS Richfield
11:45 a.m.- Alta VS Salem Hills
2:30 p.m.- Union VS Tooele
5:15 p.m.- Skyline VS Tooele
8:00 p.m.- Skyline VS Helper

Saturday, June 13:

9:00 a.m.- #4 VS #4
11:45 a.m.- #3 VS #3
2:30 p.m.- #2 VS #2
5:15 p.m.- #1 VS #1