Troy University Athletics
Trojans Start 2007 Season Nationally Ranked
1/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The start of the 2007 baseball season is one month away and the nationally ranked Trojans are getting ready for perhaps the biggest weekend series in the Trojans history.
The Trojans have been ranked 35th by the Collegiate Baseball Poll. The Trojans are the only in-state team to receive a pre-season ranking. Alabama, Auburn, and South Alabama received votes but were left out of the poll.
"We are very excited about the ranking," head coach Bobby Pierce said. "We got as high as 14th last season in the RPI and didn't receive a ranking, that was disappointing, but to start the season nationally ranked is very exciting."
The 35th ranked Trojans will be tested early with their first series of the season when the play host to SEC power Arkansas, who is ranked fourth nationally.
Pierce says his team is eager to play and hopes the history will stay in the Trojans favor.
"Arkansas is a very good baseball team who has a good bit of experience," Pierce said. "They will present a big challenge for us but I know our guys will be ready and we traditionally play well at home."
Arkansas finished the 2006 season 39-21 and hosted a regional, but they return one of the top pitchers in college baseball in Nick Schmidt. Schmidt finished the season with a 9-3 record and a 3.28 ERA.
"Schmidt is a great pitcher and he will be their Friday night starter," Pierce said. "He is one of the top pitchers in the game and he will be a challenge for us"
The Trojans are coming off a 40 win season, a conference championship, and a NCAA Regional appearance so hosting the Razorbacks at home will big for the Trojans.
"We are very fortunate to have this series in Troy in front of our people," Pierce said. "This will be a huge weekend for us and for our program and we hope to have a great crowd there to watch us play."
The first series for the Trojans will be Feb. 9-11. All games will be at Riddle-Pace Field.
Feb. 9 6 p.m.
Feb. 10 1 p.m.
Feb. 11 1 p.m.
