Four early runs lifted the Troy 15U tournament team to a 6-3 win over Independence on Thursday morning in the opening round of the Dixie Boys 15U World Series in Louisiana.

The Trojans scored two runs in both the first and second innings to gain the early advantage. Thanks to strong pitching by Skylar Kidd, Phenix Griffin and Noah Prestwood, Troy was able to pick up the game one win.

Kidd earned the win after pitching two innings of shutout baseball. Griffin followed and pitched three innings.

Jayden Jordan led off the game with a walk. After a stolen base, Jordan, along with Nate Braisted came around to score on a single by Kidd to put Troy up 2-0 in the opening inning.

In the top of the second inning, Kase Chirico scored on a Jordan double and Huner scored on a Braisted triple to double Troy’s lead to four at 4-0.

Independence cut into Troy’s lead with a run in the third and in the fourth to bring the score to 4-2.

Troy got both runs back when they scored two more runs in the fifth. Ben Reeves drove in Landon Tyler with a single and Adrian Cardwell scored on a fielder’s choice to give Troy their second four-run lead at 6-2.

Independence scored their final run in the fifth inning.

Chirico finished 3-3 at the plate with a run scored. Braisted and Kidd both finished with two hits and a combined three RBI.

Troy will play in two games on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. Game two will begin at 5 p.m.