The Helper Merchants suffered a season ending loss in the semifinals of the American Legion State Championship Tournament Wednesday evening.

Needing one more win to clinch a berth in the championship game, the Merchants were unable to keep pace with Pleasant Grove in an eventual 9-4 loss.

Faced with a deficit throughout most of the game, Helper managed to accumulate hits consistently. A total of three Helper players recorded multiple hits.

Rylan Hart finished 2-4 with two singles and a stolen base, while scoring two runs. Ridge Nelson also notched two hits as he recorded an RBI. Wyatt Falk wrapped up the season with a 2-4 performance at the plate and one RBI.

Wednesday’s loss brings an end to a highly successful season for Helper. Finishing 19-3 overall in the regular season, the team entered the state tournament as the No. 4 seed. After topping Washington and Ridgeline to start the tournament, Helper lost for the first time against Lone Peak on Monday. The setback put the Merchants in the elimination bracket.

Helper responded by eliminating Ridgeline Tuesday afternoon. The win set up the contest with Pleasant Grove on Wednesday.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a complete season recap in the coming days.