The defending champion Cottonwood Colts continued their run at a repeat Wednesday with a dominant 10-0 win over Payson.
Pitcher Nelson Tait allowed three hits and struck out four in six innings to earn a complete-game shutout for the Colts.
"He's been that way for us all year," said Cottonwood head coach Jon Hoover of the 6-foot-2 junior.
Third baseman Kyle Beverley pounded the Lions at the plate. Beverley was 2-for-3 on the day, including a home run, double, walk and stolen base. He also struck out once, scored twice and had two RBIs.
Payson starting pitcher Brett Carter picked up the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits in four innings, including the Beverley homer in the first.
"He left the pitch up in my favorite spot," Beverley said of the Payson lefty.
Cottonwood catcher Corie Sullivan also homered off Carter. His hit to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning made the score 6-0 for the Colts. Sullivan's single to the outfield with the bases loaded in the sixth inning ended the game.
"I thought Corie Sullivan played a nice game," Hoover said.
Payson struggled to find a rhythm both on the mound and behind the plate. The Lions recorded two of their three hits in the fifth inning, but a two-out double-steal attempt with runners on the corners resulted in a throw out at home plate, ending the Payson threat.
Payson's pitchers gave up 14 hits and balked in two runs.
Cottonwood plays again Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Kearns.
"We're just trying to keep level headed and see how far we can go," said Beverley.
E-mail: jwilliams@desnews.com