The Helper Merchants suffered a season ending 8-2 loss to Salem Hills in the second round of the one-loss bracket of the American Legion State Championship Tournament Monday afternoon in Salt Lake City.

After struggling to plate runs in the first two state tournament games, Helper scored twice in the opening inning. From that point on Salem Hills dominated defensively by allowing just three hits throughout the game.

Monday’s loss brings an end to the team’s championship hopes two days before the state title finale on Wednesday.

Entering the state tournament the No. 1 seed from the Southern Division, Helper was dealt an 8-4 loss by Syracuse Saturday afternoon. The loss put Helper in an elimination battle with North Cache, where the team responded with a 5-1 victory.

The highlight of the 2018 season came in the Southern Divisional tournament where Helper went undefeated en-route to the league championship. That tournament performance propelled the group the No. 1 seed entering the state tournament this past Saturday.

Helper finished the regular season with an 11-5 league record and finished 4-2 in six tournament games in the month of July.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a complete season recap with manger Jeff Cisneros Wednesday afternoon on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports.