Trojans top Dogs to win series

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Naugy Dogs pitcher Ken Graveline delivers a pitch against the Tri-Town Trojans during Game 2 the Tri-State League World Series at Fuessnich Park in Torrington Thursday night. The Trojans won game 3 Friday night to win the series. –RA ARCHIVE
Naugy Dogs pitcher Ken Graveline delivers a pitch against the Tri-Town Trojans during Game 2 the Tri-State League World Series at Fuessnich Park in Torrington Thursday night. The Trojans won game 3 Friday night to win the series. –RA ARCHIVE

TORRINGTON — The Tri-Town Trojans and Naugatuck Dogs traveled into epic territory Friday night at Fuessenich Park. The result ended some building frustration for the Trojans.

Tri-Town defeated the Dogs, 2-1, in 12 innings to win the deciding third game of the Tri-State World Series. The Trojans had advanced to the championship series for the third time in the last four years.

Finally, they came out on the winning end.

They became the first team to win both the Stan Musial and Tri-State championships in the same season.

Connor Murray played the part of the hero for the Trojans.

Murray came up with the game-winning hit in the 12th, finding a hole to keep the inning alive. Landon Gardella scored the winning run on an overthrow.

Murray finished with three hits, including an RBI-single in the third inning. Gardella had walked and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt.

Tri-Town pitcher Miles Scribner was forced to play understudy to Murray, but his performance might have been more heroic.  

He pitched all 12 innings, allowing just five hits while striking out 13.

“I was just thinking, ‘Do it for Scribner,’” Murray said. “We gave him no run support and I was just happy to be put in a position to help him out. He’s incredible.”

Scribner threw more than 170 pitches. Scribner finished the season at 17-1 with a 1.27 earned run average.

Lance Stevens also tossed 11 innings for the Dogs (27-10) and scattered 10 hits with 12 strikeouts.

“Every game we were riding pitchers,” Tri-Town coach Ryan McDonald said. “The starters went the distance for both teams.

“I’m just glad we did this as a team. To win both these titles and have everyone contribute is really fulfilling.”