The Troy AA coach-pitch team used stellar defense and a strong offense to claim the AA Sub-District 9 championship on Monday night. Troy’s 28-0 win over Greenville secured them a spot in a best two-out-of-three series in Troy on Friday night for the district championship.

“It was very exciting,” said head coach Andrew Davis. “It goes back two or three years. Finally, to be able to win and get a trophy, the excitement for the kids is incredible. They are playing good ball.”

Despite the 28 runs scored, Troy’s defense was the unit that stuck out to Davis throughout the tournament. While some teams struggle with filling out a defensive lineup, the Troy AA players are so familiar with one another that it hasn’t been a problem.

“In the first three games we played excellent defense,” Davis said. “I think we have nine players that have been together for three years. We have been coaching them for that long, so we know most of the players. The main challenge has been getting them together and putting forth the effort to succeed. They have bought in and it’s fun.”

In a league that usually features more offense than defense, Troy has used their defense to their advantage.

“It’s huge,” Davis said. “A lot of kids at this age, all they want to pay attention to is hitting. If you can come in with a great defense and stop a good hitting team, which is key. It has helped us out tremendously.”

Troy did score 28 runs in the championship on Monday. Troy is scoring their runs so far thanks to a deep and consistent lineup.

“I would say it’s pretty balanced,” Davis said. “From top to bottom, everybody can hit.”

Troy’s opponent for Friday’s district series has yet to be determined. Troy will practice hard leading up to game one at 6 p.m.

“We are going to hit the field and practice a bit,” Davis said.

Members of the 2018 AA Sub-District champions are Dutch Adams, Layton Burgans, Cole Davis, Grant Davis, Landen Flowers, Jackson Gierke, Pierce Gill, Ridge Hicks, Jeremy Hughes, Parker Knick, Greyson Mathews and Cope Russell. Along with Davis, Troy is coached by David Adams, Brian Davis and Chris Mathews.