The Helper Merchants delivered a defensive gem as they shutout Lone Peak 4-0 in the opening round of the Utah American Legion Baseball Tournament Wednesday afternoon in Kearns.

Taking the field after a lengthy weather delay, Helper managed to keep Lone Peak off of the scoreboard throughout the contest behind the arm of Zac Bradley. The complete game gem took Bradley just 81 pitches.

“Zac has pitched well all year and it just seems like we haven’t put enough runs on the board for him,” said manager Jeff Cisneros following the win. “Today we did get enough runs for him, and he did an excellent job.”

Offensively Helper struggled to accumulate just four hits, but took advantage of key situations throughout the game. Wyatt Wilson recorded one RBI on a sacrifice-fly, while Bradley brought in one run on a fielder’s choice ground ball.

The win moves Helper into the second round of the double-elimination tournament Thursday to meet North Cache, who defeated St. George 5-4 Wednesday afternoon.

“Right now we need to get the most out of our pitchers, and a find a way to hit the baseball,” Cisneros said when previewing the second round matchup. “There is no tomorrow if you lose a game. We’ll use our pitching accordingly, but we have to find ways to score runs.”

Start time for Thursday’s contest is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., weather permitting, and will place the winner in the semifinals Friday afternoon. Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for more results and recaps as they become available.