Playing four games in three days proved to be no problem for the Emery Spartans as the team claimed first place in a pre-season tournament Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Mesquite, Nevada.
Competing against five other schools, the Spartans defeated Virgin Valley on three separate occasions, including the championship to improve to 5-0 on the year. The other victory came in blowout fashion over Pahranagat Valley.
“The boys played extremely well and I’m really happy with the team,” said head coach Shawn Alton. “Our pitchers threw a lot of strikes, and the defense made plays for them. The way the kids performed and competed.”
Opening tournament play against Virgin Valley the Spartans cruised to 16-0 win behind a solid offensive performance that produced eight hits in three innings.
Tel Gardner led the way for Emery with a double and three RBI. Easton Gordon and Logan Labrum each recorded two RBI, and five others recorded one. The defense allowed just two hits in the mercy-rule shortened outing.
Emery returned to the field on Friday and picked up right where they left off by crushing Pahranagat Valley 13-0 in five innings.
Easton Gordon notched three strikeouts and allowed just one hit in 4.1 innings of action on the hill. Cade Brazier finished the game by striking out the final two batters to help Emery closeout the lopsided affair.
Race Nielsen, Gordon and Gardner all finished with two RBI. Jordan Baletka registered a double to log one RBI from the lead off spot. Emery ended with eight hits, compared to just one for their opponent.
Later Friday afternoon the Spartans continued tournament play against Virgin Valley. Once again Emery grabbed a victory, this time by a final score of 5-2.
Tel Gardner pitched a complete game gem, striking out eight and allowing just two earned runs. Emery’s defense was spectacular during the outing, playing error free baseball as the team improved to 3-0 at the tournament.
Gardner and Baletka again registered multiple hits, both finishing with two singles. Labrum continued his productive weekend by adding another two RBI, while Koda Alton finished with one.
Having to play Virgin Valley for a third time in the tournament’s championship contest Saturday, the Spartans clinched the tournament title with an 11-3 win. The win closed out a perfect 4-0 run in Mesquite, and improved the team’s overall record to 5-0.
Jorgensen again led the way for the Spartans on the hill, notching five strikeouts and giving up just three hits. Alton closed the game out in a relief effort, recording the final six outs.
Emery will now take Monday and Tuesday off before returning to the field Wednesday against the Union Cougars on the road. The next home game will follow on Friday against Millard.