Helper American Legion concluded its season Friday with an 8-1 loss to Texas in the double elimination Western Region Tournament in Surprise, Ariz.
Helper lost to New Mexico 10-5 the day before.
Helper couldn’t get anything going offensively in the game, registering just four hits in the game. Bryce Blackburn knocked in Dillon Wilstead on a single to left field in the third inning for the team’s only run in the game. Marco Mota notched a double, and Cole Fossat and Colton Greener each had singles. Jarod Lessar picked up the loss on the mound.
Texas scored two runs in the first inning off Lessar, but the right-hander was able to settle down and quiet Texas’ bats until the seventh when they added two more. A four-run eighth put the game out of reach.
“We were one of only 64 teams out of 5,000 to make one of the regional tournaments,” said Helper manager Jeff Cisneros about how many American Legion teams participate in the United States.
Helper finished the season as back-to-back champions from the state of Utah, successfully defending its title from a year ago.
“Back-to-back champs is quite an accomplishment,” Cisneros said, reflecting on the season.
Photos courtesy of Kraig Blackburn
