The Emery Spartans started fast and closed strong in a 6-2 victory over the South Sevier Rams Friday afternoon in a Region 15 contest in Castle Dale.

Extending their winning streak to four games, the Spartans held a 3-1 lead at the end of the first inning. South Sevier scored one run in the top of the sixth to bring the deficit to one, but Emery quickly answered by scoring three more in the bottom half of the frame.

Koda Alton delivered a stellar pitching performance, striking out five and allowing only two earned runs. Alton also struck out five batters, while only walking three.

Jesse Barnett ended 2-2 at the plate with a double, one RBI and a walk. Four other players registered one hit and one RBI as the Spartans out hit the Rams 7-5 to preserve the season-series sweep.

Friday’s win moves Emery one step closer to clinching second place in the highly competitive division. The Spartans are currently three games up on Manti in the win column, while holding one less loss. Following a week of non-region play, the two teams will meet up on April 23 and 26.

Emery will next return to the field on Monday afternoon with a non-region tilt against the Carbon Dinos. The week’s action will come to a close on Tuesday with another home game, this time against American Leadership Academy.