Unable to overcome an early deficit, the Emery Spartans baseball season came to a close with a 10-5 loss to Kanab Friday afternoon in Kearns.

Needing a win to advance in the one-loss bracket and keep their championship hopes alive, the Spartans allowed seven runs in the first two innings. Emery managed to chop the deficit to three in the fourth inning, but couldn’t find a way to take the lead.

Colton Willson was hit with the loss on the hill as he allowed six earned runs in just over an inning of work. Cade Brazier finished the final six innings in a relief effort to help keep Emery in striking distance before another big frame in the fifth for Kanab.

Tel Gardner posted two RBIs for the Spartans at the plate in a 2-4 performance. Jordan Baletka and Easton Gordon both contributed one RBI, while Race Nielson finished 2-4 with two singles.

Friday’s season ending loss comes after Emery avoided elimination three straight games. Dropping the tournament opening contest to Summit Academy, the Spartans eliminated South Summit, Enterprise and Providence Hall.