Despite a mid-inning surge the Emery Spartans suffered a 7-3 loss to the Richfield Wildcats in the regular season finale Tuesday afternoon on the road.

Trailing 2-0 entering the fourth inning, the Spartans tied the game with two runs in the top half of the inning. The rally was quickly shutdown as Richfield added three runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead for good.

Cade Brazier was hit with the loss on the hill after allowing five hits and two earned runs in two innings. Koda Alton surrendered three earned runs in three innings of relief work. Easton Gordon also worked one inning, giving up one hit and no earned runs.

Colton Willson launched a solo home run in a 1-4 effort at the plate to lead the Spartans in the setback. Brax Jensen recorded a team best two RBIs, finishing 1-4 in the process. As a team Emery accumulated six hits.

Entering the finale with a playoff spot already clinched, the Spartans had an opportunity to climb as high as fourth. The loss dips Emery’s record to 4-8, placing them sixth in Region 15.

With the regular season now complete the Spartans will travel to Helper on Saturday for the first two rounds of the 3A State Championship Tournament.

Placed with Carbon, Morgan and Grand, the Spartans will meet the Dinos in the opening round of the true double-elimination format at 10:00 a.m.. A win would place the Spartans against either Morgan or Grand at 5:30, while a loss puts them in an elimination contest at 3:00.