LAS VEGAS — It's a tight race in the steer wrestling at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and Helena native Ty Erickson remains in the thick of it despite struggling — like most of Montana's contingent Wednesday — during Round 7 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

On a night where no bulldogger broke the four-second barrier, Erickson clocked a time of 4.8 seconds to finish out of the money in 10th place. He remains third in the world standings and is still within striking distance of leader Will Lummus of Byhalia, Miss.

Lummus tied for eighth Wednesday with a time of 4.5 seconds.

Louisiana cowboy Rowdy Parrot won Round 7 and a $36,668 payday with a time of 4.0 seconds. Tucker Allen, of Ventura, Calif., clocked a 4.2 to place second and win $28,980. Allen is second in the world standings and

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