Tigers open strong

The Troup Tigers entered their district-opening contest with Waskom Tuesday with a solid 5-2 record.

The reigning district champs followed their 9-3 debut over Palestine Westwood with a doubleheader against Grace Community on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Troup easily took game one, 10-3. Adam Voigt went the distance on the mound and was 2- for-3 at the plate (double, homerun) for 2 RBI.

Nick Reeves and Cody Lepelley also had two hits, while catcher Cody Deese finished 2- for-4 (3 RBI) including a homerun.

The second game was a slugfest, with Grace prevailing 16-13. Grace managed 18 hits of f Tiger pitchers Mason Ballard (4.3 innings pitched), Preston Pittinger (0.6 IP) and Ryan Nichols (2 IP).

The Tigers responded with 13 hits of their own, led by Deese who was a perfect 4-for- 4 including two doubles (3 RBI). Voigt added 2 RBI with a 2-for-4 performance.

After splitting with Grace, the Tigers were 2-1 going into a match-up with T.K. Gorman. After trailing 2-0 through the first two innings, Troup took the lead in the third and secured a 6-2 win.

Austin Braswell recorded 13 strikeouts in seven innings.

Three Tigers hit doubles: Deese (2-for-2), Braswell (2-for- 4) and Jordan Jackson (1-for-1). Reeves added two singles, going 2-for-3.

The 3-1 Tigers then traveled to Gladewater where they captured a second place tournament finish. Jackson, Voigt and Braswell picked up All Tournament honors.

Troup opened with a 12-4 five-inning rout of Grace, 12-4. Pittinger and Voigt each went 2- for-3 and combined for 4 RBI. Daniel Dick added 1 RBI off a double.

Game two was closer, as the Tigers pulled off an 8-6 win over Mt. Pleasant Chapel Hill. Troup led 7-2 entering the fifth and then survived their opponent's three-run sixth inning.

Ballard picked up the win as the Tigers advanced to the title game.

T.K. Gorman outhit Troup 11 to 5 and avenged their earlier loss with a 10-2 victory. Jackson and Nichols split time on the mound, with Voigt picking up 1 RBI on a homerun.