Dixie Youth American team ‘staying alive’ as tournament comes to a close

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, January 12, 2000

Sports Editor

As luck would have it the Troy Dixie Youth American team had to take on Luverne again last night.

More on that later.

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After losing the first contest of the tournament to Greenville last Thursday night, coach David Miller’s team has responded by taking three straight wins, including Monday night’s 6-5 win over previously unbeaten Luverne.

"Our pitching has been excellent throughout the tournament, as has our defense," said Miller. "Our hitting hasn’t been as good as I would’ve liked. Marquaz Toney has been our most consistent hitter, but everyone else has been struggling."

Toney has also been good on the mound for Troy, as has pitcher Justin Cope. Cope pitched a good game against Greenville the other night, pitching all seven innings. He held Greenville scoreless for the first four innings, before giving up a two run homer which tied the game up in the fifth. Greenville was able to win the game in extra innings.

Miller said that he has Cope available for four more innings of duty, but wanted to save him if possible for the championship game.

Monday night’s game against Luverne was another close one for Troy. Chris Griggs had a two run homer, which put the American team up for good in the fourth inning.

Greenville awaits the winner of Tuesday night’s game. The sub-district title will be decided tonight at 7 p.m. at the Sportsplex.