DOTHAN – Austin Ingram blasted two homeruns and Rush Hixon was a perfect 4-for-4 as Troy defeated Crenshaw County 16-2 to open the Dixie Boys District 6 Tournament in Dothan Friday afternoon.

Troy jumped ahead 4-0 in the first inning on the back of consecutive RBI singles from Hixon, Hunter Baggett, and Xavius Burden.

A nine-run second inning and a 13-0 lead was a pleasant sight for head coach Gary Fox, but one play stood out in particular in the midst of the offensive barrage.

“The play that I was most proud of was Hixon and Ingram’s execution when I put on the bunt-and-run play in the second. They executed that perfectly,” Fox said after the game.

Several solid defensive plays also brought a smile to their coach’s face.

“I thought our defense was good. I know these guys are going to hustle. You can tell they love to play.”

Fox caught a glimpse of something else that he feels makes this team special, leadership.

Hixon got the start on the mound for Troy due to a conversation he had with his coach before the game.

“Rush came to me before the game and told me he wanted the ball,” Fox said. “I know Rush and when he tells you that, you give him the ball.”

The strategy paid off as Troy used three pitchers, all of whom are eligible to throw again today under the pitch count rule.

“I knew we would need good pitching throughout the tournament. I told coach I wanted to throw this game. He put me up there and we won, so I’m happy,” Hixon said with a grin.

Ingram finished 3-for-4 at the plate, while Burden, Baggett, Reilly Fox, and Patrick Henderson collected two hits each.

Hixon, Fox, and Baggett combined to strike out seven and allow only two hits. Both of Crenshaw County’s runs stemmed from walked batters.

Troy will face Ashford, who advanced by beating Taylor-Rehobeth 8-5, at 6 p.m. on today at Dothan’s Westgate Rotary Miracle Field.