EUFAULA – The Troy Nationals punched out 10 hits to post a 10-0 win in four innings over the Troy Americans Monday night in the Dixie Minor District Tournament. The Nationals bounced back from a 12-11 loss at the hands of the Americans from Friday night.

Jake Smith earned the shutout pitching victory, allowing two hits over four innings, striking out two and walking two.

The win by the Nationals kept them alive in the district tournament, sending them back to play Ozark Tuesday night. Ozark also defeated Dothan Southern on Monday, giving three teams one loss each. Dothan drew the bye and will play Wednesday against the winner of Troy vs. Ozark.

The Nationals jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning as William Teal singled, Will Starling walked, Smith reached on a fielder’s choice, Alex Adams was hit by a pitch, and Wesley Taylor singled. David Fleming then reached on a fielder’s choice to drive in the second run.

Clay Massey led off the second inning with a walk, in what started a three-run rally. Jared Rogers followed with a single, and Wesley Hayes drilled a double down the tight field line to drive in two runs. Hayes then scored when Lloyd Shillabeer grounded to the second baseman.

The Americans threatened in the first inning as Trey Walters reached on a walk, but was unable to score. Dontae Harris singled in the second and Bradley Floyd walked, but they also could not score.

Adams led off the third inning for the Nationals with a single and scored on a wild pitch to give the Nationals a 6-0 lead.

Logan Stewart ripped a single for the Americans in the bottom of the third, but was unable to advance.

Massey started a four-run rally for the,Nationals in the fourth inning as he was hit by a pitch, reached second on a wild pitch and scored on another single by Rogers. Corey Goodson then roped a single to left field to drive in another run, Shillabeer walked and Teal reached on an infield miscue. Starling then cranked his second hit of the game to drive in two more runs, and a 10-0 lead.

Justin Senn sparked the Americans in the bottom of the fourth by reaching on an infield error, but Teal and Fleming turned in a shining defensive gem for a double play to end the game.

Harris and Stewart led the Americans at the plate with one hit each, while Rouse, Floyd and Clifton Brady worked on the mound.

Leading hitters for the Nationals were Teal, Starling and Rogers with two hits each, while Adams, Taylor, Hayes and Goodson each had one hit.

The Americans end an outstanding post-season, having won sub-district and playing strong baseball in district. Members of the Americans include Quay Lawson, Trey Walters, Parker Sanders, Clifton Brady, Dontae Harris, Bradley Floyd, Dario Rouse, Douglas Hawkins, Andrew Johnson, Zeb Swindall, Logan Stewart, Trevalyn Thomas and Justin Senn.