Hosting a district tournament has its pros and cons but ask Troy Dixie Boys head coach Lin Roberts and he can think of only positives for his team.

“I think its a real big advantage,” Roberts said Tuesday after the team’s practice was rained out. “The kids feel more comfortable. Practicing on the same field that you will be playing on in the tournament gives us an advantage.”

Roberts’ team will also have the advantage of a first round bye and will not play until Friday giving Troy’s pitching staff a fresh start on the second day of play.

Roberts and assistant coach Allen Blackmon feel confident that their team is ready for the challenge of district play.

“I think they’ll come out and play like they are supposed to,” Roberts said. “Coach Blackmon has done a great job getting these boys ready and they know what they want. I think they’ll focus.”

Troy, despite Tuesday’s rain out, will take Wednesday off for the holiday but return to the practice field on Thursday for a final tune up.

“I think we’ve pretty much gone over everything we want to,” Roberts said. “At this age the kids know how to play ball. We can’t make them play baseball any better than what they’ve been taught by the coaches they’ve been playing under since January.”

Troy’s opener is on Friday at 4 p.m. against the winner of Thursday’s Eufaula-Geneva matchup. Ashford and Taylor/Rehobeth open play at 4 p.m on Thursday at the Troy Sportsplex.