Once again rain played a big part in the 2-A baseball state tournament as the championship game was played this week rather than concluding on Saturday as scheduled but to the dismay of Emery Spartan fans, Emery’s season concluded early and they were not a part of the championship game as they have been the past two seasons. Manti and Enterprise played for the championship after Emery High, Gunnison High, Delta High and North Sevier High were eliminated in that order last week. Manti went on to defeat Enterprise.
Emery never looked completely comfortable this season despite the fact that they won game after game and were ranked the number one team in 2-A baseball throughout the season. It seemed that every game their opponent threw their best pitcher at them as everyone wanted to dethrone the champion.
After having split home games the first week of the playoffs at home, Emery traveled to Utah County on Thursday and continued with defending their crown. On Thursday morning, Emery took on Parowan at a Spanish Fork field and won a game that was much closer than it was expected to be. The Rams scored five runs in the top of the first inning and the Spartans were in a hole quickly. Emery eventually prevailed in the game by a score of 11-9 as they scored two runs in the first inning, four runs in the second inning, three runs in the fourth inning and two more runs in the fifth inning.
Bryce Dugmore started on the mound but was uncomfortable with the footing of the mound and was replaced by Ridge Nielson after the first six batters. Emery gave up nine runs on eight base hits and the Spartans committed no errors. Emery scored 11 runs on 14 base hits.
Tristan Deabenderfer had three hits in the game with two being doubles as he led the team offensively. Dillon Wilstead also had three hits with one being a double and Ethan Tuttle had a double in the game.
Emery then faced region 15 rival Grand in the second game they played last Thursday with the venue moving from Spanish Fork to the baseball stadium at Utah Valley University. Bryce Dugmore returned to the mound in this game and this time pitched the Spartans to an 11-3 win over their opponent. Grand scored a single run in the bottom of the first inning and two runs in the sixth inning for their only runs in the game. Emery, on the other hand, scored five runs in the top of the second inning, two runs in the third inning, two more runs in the fifth inning and their final two runs in the seventh inning.
Easton Gordon had four singles in this game while Ethan Tuttle had three base hits including a double. Emery ended the game with 14 hits and Grand pitching walked eight batters and Grand fielders committed three errors.
Emery then faced Delta in the first game of Friday morning at UVU. Delta opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning as the lead-off batter walked and scored on the only hit of the inning with two outs.
Tyson Roper pitched the complete game for Emery and pitched good enough to win but the Spartan offense did not come alive to help him out. Emery scored a run in the fourth inning as Race Nielson walked, Ethan Tuttle singled and Tanner Lake had a sacrifice fly to right field. Emery took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Ridge Nielson singled and scored as both Tyson Roper and Race Nielson singled.
Delta reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning as the first six batters made solid contact on a pitch and eventually two runs would score. Emery had opportunities in the inning to prevent runs but errors got in the way.
Deabenderfer led off the seventh inning for Emery with a single. A bunt and a sacrifice fly to right field advanced Tristan to third. Race Nielson the DH came up to bat with two outs and with the count full, he hit a hard line drive to short stop who happened to scoop the ball up for a catch and the third out which ended Emery’s hopes of returning to the championship game. Tristan had two singles in this game to lead the way.
Emery wins two: loses one at state tourney
"Catcher Ethan Tuttle tags the Delta runner."