After passing up a trip to the sectionals of the Pepsi Pitch, Hit, and Run competition in Dothan last year, Todd Burkett has set his sights on making some noise this year in the 13 and 14-year-old division.

&#8220I'm prepared,” said the 13-year old. &#8220It's probably going to be pretty hard in Dothan because this is my first year in 13 and 14 and there will probably be some 14 year olds there.”

Greenville Parks and Recreation Athletic Director Gregg Fuller agrees.

&#8220When you get down in Dothan there will be kids coming over the line from Georgia and Florida, so you'll be competing against some of the best kids in those age groups,” he said.

The contingent from Butler County that will be attending are Roscoe Moorhead, who was the overall winner of the 9 and 10-year-old division; Chip Taylor, who won the pitching and running portion in the 9 and 10-year-old division; Hunter Armstrong, who won the 11 and 12 year-old division; Jason Schofield, who won the pitching portion of the 11 and 12 year-old division; and Burkett.

Once the dust settles in Dothan, the scores from the sectional will be compared to other sectionals throughout the state with the overall winners from each age group being invited to the regional competition at Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga.

Taylor made it that far last year, but fell a few points shy of winning a trip to compete during the Major League All-Star game, held this year at PNC Park in Pittsburg, Pa.

&#8220I hope I can win again this year,” Taylor said. &#8220It's a lot of fun down there.”

Taylor said he's been practicing hitting off a tee, which they use during the competition, something that has been difficult for him to master.

&#8220I've been in the back yard hitting a bunch of baseballs with my little brother trying to get better with my hitting because I struggle sometimes,” he said. &#8220I've also been pitching with my dad and running a lot.”