Trojans to Face Alabama in Second Road Test

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After struggling in their first road game of the 2011 season last Tuesday at Samford, the Troy Trojans will hit the road again today to face Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

The first pitch from Sewell-Thomas Stadium has been moved up to 5 p.m. in order to get the game in before expected rain arrives later this evening. The game will be broadcast on the Troy Sports Network beginning with the pregame show at 4:45 p.m.

The Trojans (9-2) come into the game off a three-game sweep of Southeast Missouri State during which the Troy pitching staff allowed just three runs all weekend. Alabama (7-4) is also coming in off a weekend sweep of Northwestern (La.) State.

The two teams will square off for the first time since the 2009 season after not playing last year. Since the series resumed in 2006, the teams have split eight games.

The Trojans are expected to use a number of pitchers in the game tonight. Freshman left-hander Jimmy Hodgskin (0-1, 5.62) will get the start. He took the loss last week at Samford despite striking out eight Bulldogs in his four innings of work.

Alabama will counter with senior left-hander Jonathan Smart (0-0, 0.00). The Tuscaloosa native will be making his first start of the year. He has worked eight scoreless innings in relief. During the 2010 season, Smart was 2-1 with a 5.56 ERA.

The Trojans come into the game ranked No. 1 in the country in RPI according to the web site WarrenNolan.com. That high ranking is due to the success the team has had so far, and also to the fact that Troy's opponents have posted a 28-9 overall mark in games against teams other than Troy.

Troy senior Adam Bryant is one the cusp of joining elite company in the history of the Trojans program. The Pensacola native is just one hit shy of becoming the third player in school history with 200 career hits. Only Clint Robinson (253) and Wade Miller (213) have more career hits that the Trojans' shortstop.

Following the game against Alabama, the Trojans will return to Riddle-Pace Field this weekend to open an 11-game home-stand with a four game series against former Sun Belt Conference foe New Orleans.

Troy University Athletics

Trojans to Face Alabama in Second Road Test

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