The Troy American Legion Post 70 17U baseball team picked up a comfortable 21-1 win over Post 255 in the opening game of pool play in the the American Legion Alabama State Tournament on Monday in Birmingham.

Post 70 was scheduled to also play Millbrook Post 133 on Friday, but due to inclement weather the game was called off.

“Our pregame speech kind of challenged them to push through to the finish line,” said head coach Ross Hixon. “we kind of set the tone. I told them from day one that I want everyone to be talking about Post 70 and how good they look. I game one I think we did that for sure.”

Post 70 scored runs in all four innings of Friday’s contest. The runs gave starting pitcher Clay Barron plenty of run support. Barron pitched all four innings, earning himself the win.

At the plate, Post 70’s entire lineup reached safely via the hit.

“We had everything except a home run,” Hixon said. “We had two or three triples and quite a few doubles. It took a while. The first time through the lineup we kind of had to get our feet wet. The second time through was kind of when we busted everything open.”

As of press time, there was no final decision regarding Saturday’s schedule. Originally, Saturday was the scheduled start for the tournament portion of the event.

“I think we are in a good spot regardless of what they do,” Hixon said. “If things stay the same we would definitely be the number one seed because the tie breakers are done by run differential. Already through one game we are a plus 20. We are in a good spot.”

Post 70 entered the tournament feeling they were the team to beat. After game one those thoughts are starting to creep into the minds of the opposing coaches.

“I feel like other coaches share that same thought too,” Hixon said. “One of the coaches made a comment that we would be the team to beat today (Friday). If we show up and take care of business than we should have no problems.”