Staff report

DUNCANVILLE – The Troy Dixie Youth Nationals had to make life a little interesting Saturday night.

Troy led the Prattville Americans 7-1 heading into the final inning of the Dixie Youth State Tournament in Duncanville, but Troy allowed four runs before recording the final out. With the 7-5 win, Troy advanced to the second round to face Rainsville today at 4 p.m.

Troy got hits from William Teal, Jake Smith, Bradley Floyd, Ethan Harris, Wesley Hayes, Logan Stewart and Ross Hixon in the game to earn the first-round victory. Smith and Floyd recorded two hits in the game.

Troy got the ball rolling in the first inning. Teal reached on a fielder's choice, and Smith, Floyd and Harris hit consecutive singles to put Troy ahead 2-0.

Chapman Tanner put Prattville on the board in the second inning with a solo home run to cut the lead to 2-1.

Troy answered in the third inning with a four-run, two-homer explosion. Smith hit a towering shot to center field to score Teal, and Hayes hit a shot to left field to score Dario Rouse. Troy led 7-1 after the third inning.

Prattville made it interesting in the final inning with a four-run effort. Prattville scored four runs on two hits, three walks and one Troy error before Troy was able to halt the rally.

Smith started the game for Troy, and he pitched two innings, allowed one run on one hit and struck out four. Rouse pitched the next two innings and struck out four and allowed no runs. Teal finished the game for Troy, and he was able to hold onto the lead for Troy despite a shaky stretch in the final inning.

The Dixie Youth team is trying to become the second Troy team to win the state championship. The boys would join the Dixie Belles if they won.