The Troy Dixie Minors baseball team won the first round of the state tournament against Decatur National Saturday at the Troy Parks and Recreation Center 4-0.

“We had a big crowd playing at home and they were so excited about that,” said head coach David Nelson. “But they may have been trying to do too much because of it. Hopefully tomorrow they will relax and have fun.”

Drew Nelson managed to steady his first-round jitters. He pitched the six-inning shutout with 13 strikeouts and two hits.

“It was one of his best games ever,” said David Nelson. “If we keep pitching like that, we should do well.”

At bat, Phenix Griffin started things rolling with a double in the first inning. Darryl Lee hit a double scoring Griffin. And Press Jetcoat hit a single scoring Lee.

All was quiet until the fourth inning when Drew Nelson led off with a walk. Jefcoat hit a single and Adrian Cardwell brought Nelson in.

In the fifth inning, DeAndrey Henderson had two walks back-to back. Payne Jefcoat hit the ball flat out to right field and scored Henderson.

“We hit the ball hard, but never got that big two-out hit to bust us out,” said David Nelson. “It was a little too close for comfort. But, I’ll take that win.”

Troy will face Auburn Blue in the next round. Auburn earned the Sub-State (south) to get to Troy and took on South Bibb (Sub-State Champions) in the first round.

“I don’t know much about them,” said David Nelson. “But, I know South Bibb is a good team and they beat South Bibbs. We’ll have to get out there and be ready to play a good game.”

The team will play Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at field eight. The winner of Sunday’s game will take on the winner of Sunday’s Wicksburg/Fairhope National match-up. Monday’s game is at noon on field eight.