After recording back-to-back upset wins in the first two rounds of the state tournament, the Emery Spartans suffered their first loss falling to the North Sevier Wolves 10-5 in the quarterfinals Thursday afternoon in St. George.

Struggling to get through the opening inning, starting pitcher Tel Gardner walked four batters and North Sevier took full advantage scoring two runs. Two innings later North Sevier added two more to hold a comfortable 4-0 lead, but the Spartans refused to quit.

After scoring their first two runs in the fourth frame the Spartans managed to tie the game in the fifth as Jordan Baletka scored Wyatt Cox and Bryce Dugmore with a single to left field. With the go-ahead run on first base, Emery was unable to take the lead.

From the bottom of the fifth on North Sevier took over offensively and eventually grabbed the five run win, their third over Emery this season. The loss drops Emery to an elimination contest on Friday, while North Sevier advances to the semifinals.

Gardner was charged with the loss on the mound, while North Sevier standout Fisher Andersen earned the win. Thursday’s loss is only the second in the last eight games for the surging Emery group.

The Spartans will now await their opponent for Friday’s game, but they will meet a familiar foe. Following a win over South Sevier, Gunnison has advanced to meet Grand. Both team’s share the east region with the Spartans.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for continuous updates on the Emery baseball team as they become available during their run at the state tournament in St. George.