Helper American Legion baseball wrapped up a four game in three day stint by finishing 2-2 at the RBI Tournament this past weekend in Burley, Idaho.
Starting the tournament on Thursday, Helper faltered in a 4-3 setback to Pocatello. The returned on Friday with an 11-10 win over Burley, followed by a 1-0 victory over Minico. The tournament came to an end on Saturday as Helper slipped to Bishop Kelly 9-7.
Tied 2-2 at the end of the first inning of the first game, Pocatello took the lead for good by scoring one run in the third. Trailing 4-2 entering the final frame, Helper’s rally fell just one run short in the eventual loss.
Zac Bradley pitched a complete game allowing just three earned runs and eight hits. After a slow start Bradley recorded three strike outs and held Minico to just one run after the second inning.
Offensively Helper managed just three hits and four walks throughout the contest. Kameron Gunter boosted the offense with a two RBI single off of a 1-2 count in the first inning.
An eight run third inning lifted Helper past Burley for an exciting 11-10 victory in the second game of the trip Friday afternoon.
Trailing 7-0 entering the bottom of the second, Helper’s offense exploded by producing 11 runs in two frames. Despite a late run by Burley, Helper managed to hold on for a thrilling victory that lasted just over four innings.
Taylon Abeyta finished a perfect 3-3 with a double and RBI to lead the potent Helper attack. Wyatt Wilson led the way with three RBIs, while Jayden Flemett and Cody Lowe finished with two. As a team Helper logged 10 hits, compared to five for Burley.
Braxton Bennett recorded the win on the bump as he pitched one inning of relief work, allowing no runs and no hits. Nate Olson and Lowe combined to pitch three innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits.
Showing no signs of a letdown following an emotional win, Helper responded with a victory in the complete opposite fashion by topping Minico 1-0 Friday evening.
Adrien Sanchez pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits in 81 total pitches to move Helper to 2-1 at the tournament. Striking out six throughout the contest, Sanchez did not walk a single batter in the standout performance.
Kameron Gunter brought in the game’s lone run with an RBI double, scoring Flemett in the fourth inning. Jadon Robertson ended a perfect 3-3 in the box as Helper totaled nine hits.
The final game of the weekend ended in a 9-7 loss for Helper, falling to Bishop Kelly Saturday afternoon.
Bishop Kelly scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to break a 6-6 tie. Helper managed to score one run in the seventh, but could not plate the necessary three to force to extend the game.
Bennett was charged with the loss on the mound as he pitched 2.2 innings of relief work for Flemett. Robertson also contributed on the mound with 1.1 innings of work.
Helper will return to the Monday evening as they resume Southern Division play against Roosevelt in double-header action at home. Helper is currently 1-0 in league play after topping St. George 5-2 back on June 2.