The Helper Merchants managed to hold off a late Roosevelt rally to preserve its third straight win in a 6-5 thriller Wednesday evening in Helper.

After jumping out to a massive 6-0 lead in the opening inning, Helper failed to plate another run in the following five frames. Roosevelt scored their first run in the top of the sixth, and put together a seventh inning rally that fell one run short.

Zac Bradley paced the Helper offense with a three-run RBI triple in the first inning. Jaydon Flemett laced three triples in four at bats, while recording one RBI. Jadon Robertson ended 1-2, and also logged an RBI in the win.

Nate Olson recorded the win on the bump allowing just three hits and one earned run, while striking out four in six innings. Braxton Bennett managed to work out of a jam and help lock in the win for Helper with one inning of relief work.

Wednesday’s win improves Helper to 8-4 overall in the Southern Division with only two games remaining in the regular season. Helper, St. George and Vernal are all currently tied for second, trailing Pleasant Grove by two games for first.

Helper was expected to return to the field on Thursday against South Sevier, however the games have been canceled and ruled a forfeit in Helper’s favor. The next set of games will take place Tuesday, August 18 at home against Price.