The Troy Ozone team’s run at a state title come to a close Monday evening when they fell to AUM 10-4 in the Dixie Youth Baseball Ozone State Tournament in Andalusia.

“We were obviously disappointed,” said manager Bobby Templin. “We got beat by a good team.”

Troy fell behind early 3-0 in the first inning, but were able to climb back and score four runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a slim 4-3 lead.

Phenix Griffin, Payne Jefcoat, Connor Thrash and Landon Tyler all got on base to begin the first and all four came around to score in the inning

Troy held onto the one-run lead until the fourth inning, when AUM rallied to score seven runs to take a commanding 10-4 lead.

“AUM had some breaks go their way and they took advantage of those breaks,” Templin said. “They were able to get seven runs that inning.”

Marion Davenport got the start for Troy before being relieved by Parker Adams. Connor Thrash and Phenix Griffin pitched the remainder of the game for Troy.

“The pitchers really looked good,” Templin said. “They threw strikes and threw well. The pitching staff has been great all summer long and tonight was no exception.”

Troy finished with 10 hits in the game led by Thrash who went 2-2 at the plate. After scoring four first-inning runs, AUM pitching shut down the Troy offense.

“They brought in a pitcher and he was very good,” Templin said. “We had some opportunities in the fifth and the sixth and we just couldn’t get the big hit that we needed.”

The loss brings an end to the summer for the Ozone team, a summer that saw them win both the sub-district and district championship on their way to a third place finish in the state.

“It was a great summer,” Templin said. “It’s a great group of kids and a great group of parents. It was a great team to be around. We are very proud of our District 9 championship. Sweeping Enterprise in the district was great. I am most proud of the fact that we came over here and lost the first game, but didn’t quit. They won four straight games…it’s something you can be proud of.”