Faced with a 12-0 deficit entering the fourth inning, the Emery Spartans scored 14 unanswered runs to stun the Grand Red Devils 14-13 Wednesday afternoon at Cheddar Field in Castle Dale.
A series of Emery errors in the field led to a nine run second inning for the Red Devils. By the bottom of the fourth, the deficit had reached its high point at 12-0.
“We had an awful second inning, but the kids kept their heads and started chipping away,” said manager Rob Smith. “We started finding some gaps at the plate and the runs started to come easy for us.”
The Spartans managed to cut the Red Devils’ advantage in half with a six-run fourth frame. After shutting down Grand in the top of the fifth, the Spartans captured the lead by scoring seven runs in the bottom half of the inning.
Sophomore Wade Stilson played a huge role in the remarkable turn around as he finished 3-5 at the plate, knocking a triple and two singles to go along with four RBIs. Senior Jace Mangum also delivered in spectacular form as he ended 2-4 with three RBIs.
Five players recorded multiple hits for the Spartans including Oakley Alton, who finished 3-3 with a double, two singles and two runs. Tyler Stilson and Trevin Wakefield both recorded two singles.
Defensively Emery used four pitchers, starting with sophomore Turner Stoker. Easton Nielson worked four innings of relief allowing five hits and one earned run. Ryker Jensen recorded four outs, allowing one hit and one earned run.
“I thought our pitching was just fine throughout the afternoon,” said Smith. “Turner did exactly what he needed to do, we just committed too many errors behind him. Easton and Ryker came in and helped us get the win.”
Wednesday’s dramatic victory moves Emery to 3-3 in Region 12 play and gives the team a season-series sweep over the Red Devils.
The Spartans will take Thursday off and then return to the field on Friday for a non-league tilt with the Providence Hall Patriots. Friday’s game will take place at the brand-new baseball facility at Emery High School, marking the first game on the new field.