The Helper Merchants moved to 3-0 in division play and 8-1 overall as they earned a road sweep over the Manti Templars Tuesday afternoon.
Fresh off a perfect run at the CJ Smuin Memorial Tournament over the weekend, Helper continued to hit the ball with consistency as they toppled Manti 17-6 in the first game of the double-header. The second game forced Helper to battle from behind as they earned a 13-7 win.
The second game was one that took us a while to get going,” said manager Dakota Cisneros. After winning big in the first game, we got lazy and did not give great effort in game two. We were losing going into the fifth inning, but refocused and got the win.”
Ridge Nelson earned the win game one as he pitched three solid innings, allowing just two runs on five hits, while striking out four batters. Jacob Vasquez worked the final two innings in relief, giving up four runs on five hits with two strikeouts.
Dallen O’Neil led the way at the plate as he finished 2-2 with four RBIs, three of which came from a home run. Rylan Hart also went yard with a two-run shot, while Logan Madrigal finished with two RBIs.
“We came out hot and stayed that way for the rest of the game,” said Cisneros. “A total of 17 guys played for us in this game which was great to get some of our younger guys some time.”
Playing from behind in the second contest, Helper scored six runs in the fifth inning and added another five between the sixth and seventh to secure the win.
Jordan Fossat pitched well for Helper in the second game, pitching four complete innings as he allowed just two hits and four runs, three of which were unearned. The game ended prematurely in the bottom of the seventh inning due to darkness.
Ridge Nelson paced the Helper offense as he ended 2-3 with three RBIs and two runs. Wyatt Falk finished 2-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases. Both Quade and Braxtin Henrie brought in two RBIs to help grab the win.
Helper will now take the rest of the week off before returning to the field on June 21 at home against Vernal under the lights at 8:00 p.m. The contest with Vernal will be the only game of the week for the 19U team.