A seven-inning slugfest ended in favor of the Richfield Wildcats as they protected home field, defeating the Emery Spartans 13-12 Tuesday afternoon.

The two teams combined for 25 runs, 22 hits and seven errors in the first of two meetings this season. The loss drops Emery to 6-5 in region play and 13-9 overall. Richfield improves to 4-7 in division play and 5-12 on the season.

Hayden Christiansen was charged with the loss on the mound as he tossed 2.1 innings allowing four hits and five earned runs. Wade Stilson worked two innings as he gave up one earned run. Both Hayden Abrams and Trygg Jensen combined for three innings on the bump, facing 14 batters.

Both teams found rhythm at the plate early as the score was tied 2-2 at the end of the first frame. The Spartans captured a sizable 8-3 lead heading into the fourth inning, but the advantage quickly disappeared. The Wildcats plated nine runs between the fourth and fifth but could not put the Spartans away.

Trailing by four in the sixth Emery scored three runs to chop the Richfield advantage to one. Down to their final three outs, Emery scored the game tying run in the top of the seventh. Richfield won the game in walk off fashion in the bottom of the seventh to earn the one-run win.

Wade Stilson delivered a dynamic performance for the Spartans, finishing 3-5 with one RBI. While on base Stilson swiped four bags and scored three runs.

Treven Gilbert produced three RBIs as he finished 1-2 with a single and two walks. Hayden Christiansen went 1-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Turner Stoker, Hayden Abrams and Kade Larsen all brought in one run.

Tuesday’s loss marked the second in as many days for the Spartans as the team suffered a 7-2 loss Monday on the road against Juab. With only one more game on the schedule this week, Emery will look for a season series split with Richfield Friday afternoon at home.