The Troy 6U tournament team got their first ever World Series off to a good start on Friday when they begin the tournament 2-0. They began the day with a 15-3 win over Hattiesburg and a 23-9 win over Searcy (Arkansas).

After winning their second consecutive state championship earlier this month, head coach Scott Ross believes his team is the midst of playing really good baseball.

“We are playing really well right now. We are swinging the bats really well up and down the lineup. We are forcing other teams to make plays against us. Right now, we have been extremely disciplined and running the bases well. It’s only one day and it can change in an instant, but hopefully we can stay hot.”

The team outscored its opponents 38-12 in the two games. Ross believes his defense may have been aided by the different dimensions of the infield and they were able to take advantage.

“I think us having played at 50 feet all year and this tournament having a 60-foot basepaths has definitely helped us. Our reactions are pretty quick and we are used to the balls getting to us quick. Now that we have more time to react, it’s like the game has slowed down for us.”

Elliot Cochran defended a hard-hit ball in the first game and after the end of the game the Troy defense turned a double play.

“That is not something you see from a lot of six year olds,” Ross said. “Playing good defense will keep you in any game. When you’re hitting the ball and playing good defense it makes you dangerous.”

Troy arrived in Brookhaven Mississippi on Thursday and found early success when they participated in three skills competitions. Troy finished second in the around the horn completion and Noah Houlton finished first in the Diamond Dash competition that timed the players run from second to home.

There were questions regarding how well Troy’s players would react to the big stage offered at the World Series. Through the first two games, Ross believes his players have reacted well.

“I was a little concerned about, with there being so many teams and kids, how we would respond to that. The kids have been very focused. We want to keep it simple and let it just be the game of baseball.”

At the conclusion of day one, Ross and his coaches planned to treat their team to some fun and relaxation.

“We are staying right across from the Mississippi Braves and they are playing at home. We are going to take the kids over to watch that game and take it easy.”