Needing a win to remain withing striking distance in the 2A East division, the Emery Spartans topped the San Juan Broncos 8-3 Friday afternoon in Blanding, earning their first league victory of the season.

Tel Gardner pitched a complete game and the Spartans managed to limit mistakes in their first win in three games. Kyler Stilson finished 3-4 at the plate with two doubles to help push the offense in the victory.

“Our backs were getting close to the wall and we played like we had a sense of urgency,” said head coach Steve Gordon. “Our guys came out talking and were excited to be there. It was good to see, it was what we’ve been looking for all year.”

With six teams in the 2A East and only four playoff spots up for grabs, the Spartans were one of two teams without a win at the bottom of the standings. The win puts Emery just two games behind first place Gunnison, the same team they will meet twice this week.

“This is a crucial week for us and I’d be happy if we could split with Gunnison,” said Gordon. “If we could get two it would be outstanding. We are going to practice really hard today and get set for (Tuesday).”

Tuesday’s game against Gunnison will take place in Castle Dale and will set the stage for the second and final meeting between the two teams on Friday in Gunnison. As the current standings sit the Spartans remain two games behind San Juan in the win column for fourth place. Emery has played the fewest league games out of the six teams competing.