Sports Editor

Justin Smith and Matthew Johnson combined to pitch three hitless innings as the Troy American Legion opened its season with a 14-0 win over visiting Dale County at Riddle-Pace Field on Tuesday night.

Troy head coach Russ Jinright threw

four pitchers at the visiting Warriors, with all being equally effective on the mound. Tyson Pugh started for Troy, allowing one hit and striking out four batters. Luverne’s Josh Sexton came in as relief, giving up one hit as well. Sims, the lefthander, struck out six batters in his two innings of work and Johnson closed the game in the top of the seventh, retiring Daleville’s first three at the plate.

Troy opened with two runs in the first, was held scoreless in the second, but put together a five-run output in the

third.

Clint Pugh hit a double to start the fourth and came home on a bad throw to third base, putting Troy up 8-0 in the bottom half of the fourth.

Tyson Pugh sent a runner home with a single in the fifth and Troy erupted with five more runs in the sixth inning of play.

Brett Pierce, who had four hits on the night, including a lead-off triple in the first, singled in Blake Phelps. Tyson Pugh had a basehit RBI and Sims forced in an additional run. Chase Kelly and David Doty each had RBI singles to cap off the scoring for Troy.

Chase Clower and Phelps also added hits for Troy.

Post 70 will travel this weekend to participate in the 12-team Decatur American Legion Tournament. Troy will play Florence on Friday, followed by two games against Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Austin on Saturday before playing a final game against Grissom on Sunday.