Troy Varsity Baseball Team wins championship

The Troy Trojans Varsity Baseball Team took first place in the recent 2021 Millard Invitational 8th Grade Baseball Tournament, winning 11-1 over Chatham-Glenwood Middle School; 16-1 over Edison Junior High School; and 3-0 over Morton Junior High School.

Troy’s coach Ted Gernand said starting pitchers in the first two games were Lucas Simulick and Isaac Harris, who together allowed only three hits with no runs, and striking out nine batters.

The championship game was a shutout, with Maddux Chiquito and Josh Escalante pitching and backed by outstanding defense with highlight plays by Josh in center field, Maddux at third base, Lucas at shortstop, Sean Hogan at first base and Brayden Meyers in center field.

Offensive highlights in Game 1 included Maddux, 2 for 2 with a walk, 3 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. Henry Young, 2 for 3 with a double.

Game 2 highlights included Lucas Simulick, 3 for 3 with a walk, sacrifice fly, double, triple, stolen base, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Isaac Harris was 2 for 2 with a walk, 2 stolen bases, 1 RBI and 1 run. Daniel Lucancic was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, a stolen base, 1 RBI and 1 run. Bobby Malinowski was 2 for 2 with a walk, 2 doubles, 1 RBI and 3 runs.

Game 3 highlights included Sean Hogan with the go ahead RBI single and Lucas Simulick with a 2-run home run.

“After the offense carried the team to the championship game,” Gernand said, “our pitching and defense really stepped up against a very strong Morton team. We really have a strong defensive team and it was needed to win the tournament.”

Troy Athletic Director Meagan DeGroot said the team had an impressive showing at the tournament.

“This was the first tournament they played in since COVID,” she said. “You never would have known they had a year off by the way they came together and worked as a team. I am excited to see what next year brings.”