LITTLE LEAGUE: TROY FALLS TO JERSEY SHORE IN SECTIONAL TITLE GAME (2023-07-16)

Northern Tier Sports Report
ROME — Troy got off to a fast start, but couldn’t keep the momentum going as they fell to Jersey Shore, 4-1, during the Section III Minors All-star softball title game Sunday.

Troy jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, and threatened again in the second, but went down in order from the third through sixth innings as they couldn’t quite solve Jersey Shore pitcher, Faith Wrench, who struck out 16 Troy batters.

“We made a couple of mistakes, they made the mistakes (Saturday),” said Troy coach John Brown. “They played almost perfect ball today, and we made a couple mistakes. I can’t say we ran out of gas, our girls were positive all the way. Just a couple mistakes, and just how the ball rolls.”

Blaklee Brown struck out 10 in the loss, allowing four hits and five walks. 

Marley Palmer (1-for-2) had a double, and an RBI, while Brown (1-for-2) scored a run. Mya McClure (1-for-2) also had a double.

Brown got things going for Troy, leading the game off with a single. Two batters later Palmer put one over the left fielder’s head for a 2-out, run scoring double.

Troy nearly added to their lead in the top of the second, as McClure hit a 1-out double, and got all the way to third, but was stranded there.

After that double Wrench retired 14 straight Troy batters.

Jersey Shore would push three runs across in the bottom of the fourth as they pulled away.

Despite the setback it was a strong season for Troy, whose only losses came agains the sectional champions.

“I’m proud of this team,” Brown said. “This is a great team that’s got a lot of heart, and they got better every day. And, you’ve seen them, there were five leaders, and we’ve got some followers, who, next year, will be the leaders. A great group of kids, a great group of parents.”

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PHOTO CAPTION: Troy’s Mya McClure looks to make contact on her double…PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING