Troy's Post 70 American Legion baseball team swept Ariton Monday in a double header at Troy State University.

The wins take the team to a season record 20-5-1, setting the team up for a strong showing in the district tournaments, said coach Russ Jenright.

"We tried this year to play older teams to make us better," Jenright said. Three of their five losses came from 18-19 year- old teams.

"I think we're playing real well right now and the pitchers are throwing well," he said.

In Monday's first game, Troy won 11-2. Brett Pierce went two for four and Tyson Pugh wen two for three. Anthony Germaine, Chase Kelly and Jeremy Jones each had singles. Daniel Porter and Zach Gilchrist went three for three.

Matthew Johnson struck out six Ariton batters and allowed no hits. Gilchrist finished out the game and allowed only one hit and two walks.

Troy took game two 11-0, allowing only one hit and two walks.

Leading the team offensively in the second game was Robert Reynolds who went three for three. Drew Walker and Daniel Holder both went two for two, and Brett Birdsong, Tyson Pugh and Brett Pierce all had one hit each.

"This is a strong team," said Ariton coach Duke Murphy after the first game. "They've played well."

After taking a break today and Wednesday, Troy's next outing will be 7 p.m. Thursday in Ozark's Eagle Stadium for the district tournament.

The starting lineup for that tournament will be Matthew Johnson, Daniel Holder, Brett Birdsong, Pete Van Horn, Daniel Porter and Anthony Germaine.

"We're scoring a lot runs at the plate and hitting well," Jenright said, noting his team has outscored opponents "probably 40 runs in the last four games."

"Our goal is to get back in the state tournament in Madison," he said. "Although we're hosting the regional tournament, we'd like to win the state so we can prove we belong (in the regional)."

Jenright is no stranger to the state tournament. Two years ago, his Troy team finished in second place. Last year, the team made it to the state tournament but was eliminated after winning the first two games.

This year's team is comprised of 11 CHHS players, two from Abbeville Christian, two from Brantley High School, one player from Rehobah and one from Eufala.