The Helper Merchants opened the Utah State American Legion Baseball Tournament with an 8-4 loss to Syracuse, but remained in championship contention by defeating North Cache 5-1 Saturday afternoon in Kearns.

Entering as the No. 1 seed from the Southern Division, Helper was unable to keep pace with Syracuse offensively. Despite the season saving win over North Cache, the struggles at the plate continued as Helper stranded a total of 15 base runners over the the two games.

The 1-1 weekend mark means Helper will have to win five more games consecutively in order to claim a state title.

With only six teams remaining in the season ending tournament, Helper will return to the field on Monday to face Salem Hills in Salt Lake City. A win would move Helper into Tuesday’s action to play either Mountain Crest or Syracuse.

Pleasant Grove and St. George are the last two teams without a loss in the tournament. The two will meet Monday evening to decided who will play in the championship Wednesday afternoon.