The Emery High Lady Spartans avenged an early-season loss by defeating Manti 14-12 on a snow-filled Tuesday in Castle Dale.
Emery jumped out to a 7-2 lead after the first inning on the back of Auminee Bennett’s three-run home run. The shot was Bennett’s second of the season.
Manti battled back to take a 10-7 lead after four innings, but the Lady Spartans posted four runs in the fifth inning and three runs in the sixth to take a 14-11 lead.
Manti was down by two and had runners on second and third with no outs as Tauni McFarlane, who had already hit two home runs, walked to the plate. Winning pitcher Whitney Roper buckled down and got McFarlane looking with a full-count curve ball.
After falling behind to the next batter, Roper induced a fly ball to center fielder Shelby Mason. Mason caught the ball and fired home to nail the runner trying to score from third. The perfect throw ended the game.
Emery recorded seven extra-base hits, including six doubles.
Emery ran its Region 12 record to 5-2, just one game behind Manti.
Emery’s next contest is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Juab.