Centerville Dominates Troy in Playoff Preparatory Game
Centerville's high school baseball squad rolled past Troy with a 6-0 victory in a preseason matchup that served as a final tuneup before the playoffs.
The win underscored the stark contrast in divisional rankings, with Centerville holding the top spot in Division I and Troy sitting at No. 2 in Division II, both teams entering the game with impressive regular‑season records.
Centerville's coach, Jason Whited, said the contest was about testing the team against a quality opponent, emphasizing that facing a program like Troy helps sharpen the mental edge needed for the postseason.
Coaches Emphasize Mental Toughness
Troy's mentor, Ty Welker, echoed the sentiment, noting that the matchup provided a valuable lesson in resilience and that the experience will pay dividends when the playoffs begin.
The game’s pivotal moment came when Luke Maciejewski delivered a complete‑game pitching performance, while Colten Burleson’s three‑run double in the second inning sparked the offense. The team also employed station‑to‑station baserunning and executed five sacrifice bunts, a tactical choice that highlighted their disciplined approach.
Looking Ahead
With a roster anchored by twelve seniors, Centerville is eyeing its first state championship since 1928, while Troy, a program built over the past decade and recent Miami Valley League champions, prepares to face Lakewood, Beavercreek and Fairmont in the coming week as they fine‑tune for the tournament.