The Helper Merchants opened division play with a heartbreaker 4-3 loss to Springville Tuesday night at Ernie Gardner Field in Helper.

Hoping to ride the momentum built in Saturday’s win over Alta, the Merchants struggled to find consistency at the plate. Despite a solid start defensively, the offense provided little run support in the eventual one-run loss.

Keaton Rich delivered a solid start for Helper on the mound, retiring Springville in straight order throughout the first three innings. Jordan Fossat came in for relief work in the sixth inning, finishing the final two frames.

With the game tied at three Fossat walked what be the eventual game winning run. The Helper offense had one last opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, but was unable to bring any runs in.

Fossat provided a big spark for the Helper offense throughout the game. Finishing 2-4 with two singles, he accumulated three RBIs. Rylan Hart also reached safely once, finishing 1-4 with a single.

Now 3-3 overall on the season, the Merchants will have an opportunity to log their first division win when they return to the field on Wednesday evening. Again playing Springville, the contest is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m..

Following Wednesday’s game Helper will take Thursday off before entering a back-to-back with Salem Hills on Friday and Saturday.