The Helper Merchants finished 1-2 during a busy three game stretch Friday and Saturday in Southern Division play.

Starting the weekend off at home Helper managed to overcome a mid-inning Salem Hills run in a 9-8 victory. Trailing 8-7 entering the sixth, the Merchants scored one run in the final two frames to secure the thrilling win.

Anthony Jones delivered a walk-off base hit to record his second RBI of the contest. The win improved Helper to 4-0 in the divisional standings.

Helper returned to the field on Saturday with a north road trip to meet Taylorsville and Pleasant Grove. The double-header worked against the Merchants as the team fell victim to a sweep, picking up their first two losses of the league season.

Tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the second inning Helper allowed 13 runs over the next three innings, including eight in the second. The massive Taylorsville offensive surge ended the contest in just five innings as Helper fell 14-1.

Despite a fast start in the second game of Saturday’s double-header, Helper was unable to keep pace with Pleasant Grove and suffered an eventual 8-5 loss.

After a four run first inning, Helper was held to just one more run the remainder of the game. The loss dips the Merchants to 4-2 in league action.

With the busy weekend now complete Helper will prepare for a massive six game home stand, beginning Friday against St. George. Helper will welcome in Skyridge and Skyline on Saturday for a double-header.

Friday:
Helper- 9, Salem Hills- 8 FINAL

Jadon Robertson recorded the win on the hill in 2.2 innings of relief work, allowing two hits and one earned run. Zac Bradley gave up nine hits and six earned runs in 4.1 innings.

As a team Helper recorded 13 total hits. Ty Anderson, Jayden Flemett, Anthony Jones and Triton Abeyta all finished with two RBIs. Anderson and JP Powell both notched doubles in the team’s two extra base hits.

Saturday:
Helper- 1, Taylorsville- 14 FINAL/5 innings

Triton Abeyta, Jayden Flemmett and Nate Olson combined for four innings on the mound as Helper suffered a league loss for the first time this season.

Abeyta recorded the only RBI of the game for Helper. Cody Lowe knocked a double and Jadon Robertson contributed a triple.

Saturday:
Helper- 5, Pleasant Grove- 8 FINAL
Despite playing error-free baseball in the field, the Merchants were unable to keep pace with the potent Pleasant Grove offense.

Helper delivered a solid four runs in the opening frame and added one more in the second. Unable to plate a single run over the course of the final five innings, the Merchants were dealt a second loss.

Cody Lowe was pegged with the loss on the hill, giving up seven earned runs and six hits in 3.1 innings. Braxton Bennett worked the final 2.2 innings in a relief effort.