By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

SWAINSBORO – It was a game they had to have.

After falling to Wrens, the Troup National 11-12-year-old all-stars knew they had to beat Thomaston to stay alive in the Dixie Youth Baseball state tournament.

Troup National made it happen in convincing fashion with a 16-0 victory over Thomaston to finish 2-1 in pool play.

Troup National, which finished second in its pool to Wrens, will be back in Swainsboro this weekend for the double-elimination portion of the state tournament.

The state winner will qualify for the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series that will be in Lumberton, N.C.

GAME 1

TROUP 12,

 IRWIN COUNTY 2

Troup opened pool play with a one-sided win over Irwin County.

Blake Sheppard had a pair of doubles and a walk, and Gryson Cockrell did his job from the leadoff position with two hits, including a double.

Landon Merna had two hits, Garrett Huckleberry and Steven Hill each had a double, and Cooper Stephens had a single.

Trevor Hansford was the starting and winning pitcher.

GAME 2

WRENS 12, TROUP 2

Troup had a difficult time getting much going against Wrens in its second game in pool play.

Cooper Stephens and Rob Skinner had hits, and Gryson Cockrell, Jimmie Jackson, Kaden Carlisle and Garrett Huckleberry walked.

GAME 3

TROUP 19, 

THOMASTON 0

Troup finished second in its pool with a one-sided win over Thomaston.

Rob Skinner led Troup’s dominant offensive effort with four hits, and Garrett Huckleberry had three hits with a double.

Landon Merna and Jimmie Jackson each had two hits, Parker Shattuck and Cooper Stephens each had a double, Blake Sheppard had a hit and a walk, and Bryce Hubbard had a single.

Garrett Huckleberry was the starting and winning pitcher.