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Troy Junior Dixie Boys fall to Texas Monday
Published Monday, August 3, 2009
The Troy Junior Dixie Boys were unable to continue their undefeated run through the Junior Boys World Series Monday night, falling to Texas 7-4.
Troy jumped ahead 3-0 after the first inning, but was forced to watch Texas make a comeback of the variety that Troy had used to win its first three games of the tournament.
The game was the second of the day for Troy, but the only game for Texas Monday.
However, head coach Sam Kitchens said he placed the blame on a lack of execution, rather than fatigue.
“We’re not going to make excuses,” Kitchens said.
“We just quit executing after the first inning. We didn’t hit the ball like we should and we didn’t place our pitches at the plate. We just didn’t do what we’ve been doing.”
Texas railed for four runs in the fourth to take a 4-3 lead, but Troy tied the game in the fifth when Chandler Avant scored on a wild pitch
Texas would put the game away, however, in the sixth when it scored three runs on three hits.
Texas pitcher Ryan Fant retired the final six Troy hitters to preserve the win for Texas.
Kitchens said Troy would be ready to play again Tuesday despite the tough loss.
“I have confidence that we’ll bounce back tomorrow,” Kitchens said.
“They’re going to fight and do the best they can. We lost a game in the state tournament and were able to fight through it. We’ll just have to try it again here.”
However, there are things Troy will have to improve on in order to have success.
“We’ve got to play consistent defense,” Kitchens said. “If we hit the ball hard, we’ve got a chance. We’re certainly going to give it our best shot.”
While Troy has made an impressive showing by being one of only four teams still playing at the World Series, both the team and its coaching staff believes there is more glory ahead for Troy.
“We have more to accomplish,” Kitchens said. “I think we can accomplish it if we just make up our minds to do it.”
Troy will now turn its attention to a rematch with Louisiana, a team Troy defeated 11-9 in a thrilling come-from-behind win Sunday night.
Fortunately for Troy, Avant will be eligible to pitch against a Louisiana club he dominated in a relief appearance. Unfortunately, Blake Craft, the starter of the game against Texas will not be eligible.
“We’ll have Avant and Blackmon tomorrow,” Kitchens said. “Basically, we’ll have anybody except Craft.”
Troy’s tournament life will be on the line when it faces Louisiana Tuesday at 5 p.m. for the right to advance to the final day of play.
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Comments
Posted by kathielee (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to ALL the boys on the team. It seems that you only hear about Avant all the time. He is a great ball player but they all are. If they weren't - they would not be on the team. It is about time to start recognizing them all, even on the Today in LA this morning Mike Amos talked non-stop about Avant. Lets recognize them all - Lord, Tucker, Stephens, Fox, Adams, Shaver, Smartt, Blackmon, Loving, Craft, Johnson and Avant. There are 12 boys on the team - not just ONE or TWO!! GO ALABAMA!!!!!!!!! Beat Louisiana today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by muledeer (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I said it before the tournament started so I can say it now and not seem to be making excuses for anyone. There is no reason for a bracket of a world series to be drawn up requiring the number of games in such a short period of time. No need in cramming a world series in. These boys have waited much of their lives for an opportunity to play in such an atmosphere. I say in the future, the Dixie program should re-evaluate the structure of tournament brackets so as to allow every team the opportunity to perform at their highest potential.
Is there any coincidence that both teams that played at 1:00 on Monday lost their 7:00 games?? I think not. Both of these teams appeared very fatigued as compared to their competitors.
That being said, Troy has the opportunity to come back. Lets all root for Troy to beat Louisianna, South Carolina to beat Texas, and hopefully that would place Troy in the finals with a bye (Troy, South Carolina, and Texas would all have one loss) Anything could happen then!
Go Troy ALABAMA
Posted by kathielee (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
muledeer - THANK YOU!! I was there watching the ALABAMA game and I have not missed one of the games yet. It was very obvious that they were exhausted. TROY does have the opportunity to come back and I feel strongly that they will. Everyone needs to be there to support them - win or lose - these guys have played great!!!!!
Posted by ilovefood (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i believe this group of kids are playing HS level ball (9th grade team)when school was in correct? well muledeer they play double headers alot of times! so you are correct it is not an excuse
Posted by muledeer (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not sure what your point is "ilovefood". Read my comments again.
Posted by momof3 (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These guys do play doubleheaders in freshman ball but not to the same level of intensity and emotions as a WS game. That is like comparing a h.s. championship game to a regular season game that does not mean anything. Remember that these guys had also played their hearts out the night before until after midnight. Also, not typical in h.s. games. I'm not making excuses for them because they are a tough group of guys that don't need me to, but please don't suggest they had no reason to be somewhat tired last night unless you have been there. I highly suspect you haven't or you wouldn't have even posted that comment.
Posted by ilovefood (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
momof3 i have been there!!thank you though!player and coach
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on August 5, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree it is tough to play ball games like this, however I don't agree that a World Series game or a championship game should be played differently than a "normal" game. Every game should be played with a high level of intensity and like it was a championship game. That is how you GET to championship games and series. As the mom of an athlete I hate doubleheaders because it is so exhausting on young athletes but that is part of it. The Bama team has nothing to be ashamed of regardless of the loss, but ALL games are important not just the ones that make the big headlines (or they should be).
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