It was win-or-go-home as the Emery Spartans took to Lindquist Field on Tuesday, May 12, to face off against the Logan Grizzlies in the one-loss bracket of the 3A state tournament. Emery claimed an early lead, but resilient play from Logan down the stretch elevated the Grizzlies to a 3-2 win over the Spartans, knocking them from the tournament.

Following a scoreless two innings, the Spartans found offensive success in the top of the third. With runners on first and second, Ben Johansen hit a sacrifice fly to advance the runners. However, an error at third allowed Trygg Jensen to sprint home for an Emery run, while Garrett Conover proceeded to third on the same error.

On the ensuing at-bat, Logan pitcher Marcus Shopbell was called for a balk, advancing Conover across home plate for a 2-0 Emery lead.

Not wanting to fall behind, Logan dug deep and mustered a run in the bottom of the third, with Shopbell slapping a pitch to center field for a double, and in the process bringing Zac Stuart in for a run, cutting into the deficit 2-1.

Stellar defense defined the fourth inning, but Logan took the lead in the bottom of the fifth, with Shopbell sending a shot to center field, advancing two Grizzly base-runners home to claim the 3-2 advantage.

Unable to muster any more offense, the Spartans couldn’t overcome the deficit and fell to Logan 3-2.

The story of the game for the Spartans was runners in scoring position being left on base, with six such instances occurring throughout the contest.

Four Spartans secured hits in the loss, with Jensen, Peyton Nielson, Drake Stilson and Bronx Olsen recording hits. On the mound, Jensen was charged with the loss, pitching the entire contest, recording four runs and allowing three earned runs.

The loss brings an end to the Spartans’ season, ending with a final record of 11-17 and 3-5 in region play. Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a full recap of the season coming soon.