Troy Gray Comes Up Short in 7-8 Loss In Semi Finals to Piqua Red

May 4, 2024 - by Game Changer

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Piqua - Troy Gray fell one run short losing 7-8 in the MVL 2024 tournament semi finals on Saturday.

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Piqua Red opened the scoring in the top of the first after Jace Palmer singled scoring one run,

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Troy Gray took the lead in the bottom half of the first. after the Piqua Red pitcher balked and then the defense committed an error. Both  mistakes allowed one run.  Troy 2, Piqua Red 1.

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In the top of the third, Piqua Red retook the lead on a passed ball.  Troy 2, Piqua Red 3.

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In the bottom of the third, Troy Gray tied the game when Wes Todd hit into a fielders choice scoring the runner from third.  Troy 3, Piqua Red 3.

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With the game still tied 3-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Troy scored three runs.  Evan Jones doubled,. Kaito Taketani singled and Boston Roberts doubled.  Troy 6, Piqua Red 3.

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The top of the fifth saw Piqua Red flip the game on it's head by scoring five runs on four hits to take the lead the wouldn't relinquish 8-6.

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Troy Gray was only able to muster one more run in the game in the bottom of the sixth. A walk to Evan Jones and then he stole second. Kaito Taketani hit a single into right field moving Jones to third. Boston Roberts grounded out to the shortstop but it allowed Jones to score.  Troy 7, Piqua Red 8.  And that's how the game ended.

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Luke Welker started the game for Troy Gray.  He threw 3 1/3 innings allowing seven hits and three runs (2 earned), while striking out 5 and only walking 1. 

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Boston Roberts drove the middle of the line-up, leading Troy Gray with 2RBI's going 1 for 3.  Kaito Taketani and Evan Jones were a force together in the line-up as they both collected two hits.  Troy Gray had a strong eye at the plate accumulating six walks for the game.  Troy Gray stole six bases. 

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Troy Gray turned two double plays and didn't commit an error.

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NEXT GAME: 2025

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