Tripp Blackmon pitched 3 2/3 strong innings of relief Saturday to help lead the Troy Junior Dixie Boys team to a 14-4 mercy rule shortened win in its first round game against Searcy, Arkansas at the Junior Dixie Boys World Series in Enterprise.

“Tripp came in and just did a fantastic job for us,” said head coach Sam Kitchens.

Blackmon went to the mound in relief of Chandler Avant in the top of the second inning with runners on first and third with just one out, and Troy trailing 4-2.

“Chandler didn’t have his best stuff tonight, but Tripp just came in and did a fantastic job of holding them down,” Kitchens said.

Blackmon was able to get out of the inning without giving up any runs and then pitched a perfect third inning to keep the lead at 4-2.

Troy was able to tie the game with two runs in the third before blowing the game wide open with a seven-run fifth inning.

Troy took advantage of five Arkansas errors in the fifth, scoring all seven runs on just three hits.

Miles Loving started the scoring with a two-RBI single that drove in Chase Smartt and John Johnson.

Blake Craft had two more RBIs with a single that drove in Blackmon and Loving, while Smartt capped the scoring with two more RBIs on another two-RBI single.

“We had a few hits at opportune times from guys up and down the lineup that really helped us,” Kitchens said.

Loving led Troy¹s offense, going 2-4 with three RBIs. Craft also went 2-3 with three RBIs.

Blackmon will not likely pitch in Sunday¹s game, as he not only has to sit for 30 hours due to pitching over 45 pitches, but he also injured fingers on his throwing hands when attempting to slide headfirst.

“Our worry right now certainly is Tripp,” Kitchens said. “It could be dislocated or it could be broken. We really don’t know. I’ve seen players play with similar injuries. It’s just a matter of dealing with the pain and seeing how much you can tolerate it. But, our prayers are certainly with Tripp.”

Troy will play Louisiana Sunday at 7 p.m. in Enterprise.

Click here for photos from Saturday’s game.