The Troy AA Machine Pitch team hosts the sate tournament this week in Troy.

“It has been tough hosting state and not having the district tournament leading up to it because there is a lot of down time,” said AA head coach Bobby Hussey. “We were very fortunate to have teams that we could scrimmage against.”

Troy went undefeated in warm up games against Eufaula, Enterprise, Greenville as well as the Troy AA rookie team. However, the players learned how to battle back when they were behind late in games.

“We have had opportunities that have helped us as far as playing games,” Hussey said. “We have found out what they kids are made of. These kids are a special group of kids. They know they have a tremendous opportunity to host state in their own back yard.”

The team includes: Jack Baggett, Peyton Elliot, Wes Bundy, kellen Stewart, Owen Pugh, Luke Barron, Chase Vaznaian, Dawson Bradford, Slade Russell, Luke Sikes, Carter Nelson, and Ford Hussey.

“We have a close group of kids,” Hussey said. “They have come together and they have an opportunity that not many kids in Troy has had. Every few years Troy will host a tournament whether it is district, state or a World Series. We put that into perspective for them and let them know that this is great for them.”

Hussey credits the work of Troy Parks and Recreation Department in helping create this opportunity for the players.

“From day one of the regular season until now have been great,” Hussey said. “Twelve teams are coming to state and those guys put in a tremendous amount of time. It’s amazing that Troy has a program like they do.”

Troy takes on Valley at 7 p.m. Friday on Field 1 at the Sportsplex.