Most small communities in this state do not even have one team that is ranked in the Alabama Sports Writers Association baseball and softball polls, but the city of Troy has two.

The Charles Henderson Trojans and the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots are both ranked No. 3 in their respective baseball polls and I am sure Troy is happy to have two teams worthy of that high of a rank.

These two squads have never met for a full game on the diamond, but they did try last summer in the G.W. Long Tournament and the game lasted all of one inning because of a heavy downpour.

I know that would be a great game to watch and I am sure both communities would benefit from having that game.

That would be bragging rights close to the size of Auburn-Alabama for this area.

It has been mentioned before that the teams should set up a game for the summer at Riddle-Pace Field and have all the proceeds donated to the Miracle Field effort here in Troy.

I would definitely jump on board for that because no matter what happens on the field, both teams and their fans could know they were supporting a good cause. This way any feelings of competitiveness would be replaced by feelings of philanthropy.

The rivalry game may never happen, but as long as both teams keep playing well this area will definitely see two teams deep in the state playoffs come April.

The Trojans have been competing, and winning, against Class 6A competition this year and the Patriots have beaten every team they played this year besides Lee Scott.

The keys to success for both teams are quite similar because they are the keys to success for any baseball team.

Both squads have great pitching complemented by outstanding hitters. The Trojans of this year are not the power happy Trojans of a year ago, but they still have a few hitters who can lose the ball behind the outfield fence and this year’s squad can score runs in many different ways.

The Patriots just know how to score runs as well and they have a barrage of hitters who can get the job done in the clutch.

It definitely should be a fun ride through March and into April with Troy’s two Top-3 teams.

Matt Nascone is the sports editor for The Messenger. He can be reached at 670-6315 or online at matt.nascone@troymessenger.com.