The Troy Nationals advanced to the semifinals of the district tournament with a 5-2 win over host team Ozark.

William Teal pitched the first four innings plus, shutting out Ozark until the fifth inning, before his brand-new braces wore him down. The new dental work cut his mouth during the game, and he had to rinse blood out of his mouth between innings.

Jake Smith finished the game for Troy and collected the win.

Troy scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break the 2-2 tie. Wesley Hayes started the rally by knocking a single. Logan Stewart followed with a walk, and Chase Connell reached on a fielder's choice. Donta Harris singled to knock in Stewart for the winning run.

Starling singled, Douglas Hawkins hit a bunt single to load the bases, and Teal and Smith singled as Troy managed to extend the lead.

Troy got on the board first with a run by third by Chase Connell. He drew a two-out walk, then Donta Harris was hit by a pitch. Starling walked, and Hawkins drew a painful RBI by being hit by a pitch.

Troy extended the lead in the fourth when Smith walked, reached second on a wild pitch and came around to score on an Ethan Harris double.

Hawkins led Troy with two base hits. Starling, Teal, Smith, Ethan harris, Donta Harris and Hayes all recorded base hits as well.

Troy will face Enterprise today at 8 p.m. in the semifinals. Ozark will play Ashford at 6 p.m.