PLATTSBURGH -- The Clinton County Mariners will be at home this weekend in the District 4 Tournament, but some might wonder how much of an advantage it will be.

"We've only been home twice this summer," reminded Mariners' coach John Flynn, whose team has fashioned a 17-7 record making stops in Utica, Vermont, Granville and Norwood.

Clinton County hosted two tournaments, but the latest -- The Alex Turner Memorial last weekend -- was cut short by rain.

"It (the rainout) didn't help us. We would have played Ogdensburg and then either Glens Falls or Saratoga; games we really needed to play to get ready for the districts," Flynn said.

If there is any consolation, the rest of the district also has had to make do with the uncooperative weather.

"Everybody is in the same boat," he added.

The Mariners managed to squeeze in a practice outdoors Tuesday and then worked out at the PSU Field House Wednesday night.

"Last night (Wednesday) we were inside and it was great," Flynn said. "We got a chance to hit and throw. We're ready to go."

Clinton County will not have it easy. The Mariners wound up in what is acknowledged to be the tougher bracket and with Anaconda out of the Capital District for their first game today, at 6 p.m., at Lefty Wilson Field.

"I think we got the hardest draw of anybody," Flynn acknowledged. "Anaconda is probably the No. 1 team in the tournament and to draw them first is quite a challenge."

Mohican Post and St. Johnsville round out the bracket. On the other side will be Norfolk, Granville, Saratoga and Amsterdam.

The eight-team tournament is double elimination over two weekends, but there is a lot riding on that first game.

"If we lose (to Anaconda), we'd have to turn around and play again at 9 o'clock Saturday morning," Flynn related. "If you lose the first game then you need to win three games just to make it to next weekend. You don't want to lose the first game in a double-elimination tournament."

The Mariners are in great shape for the tournament. Nick Lamica and Pat Shaughnessy were slowed by injuries the first couple of weeks, but are back at full strength for the districts.

Flynn was hedging on naming a starting pitcher Thursday, wondering whether Anaconda will go with Dave Filak, who was the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year at Oneonta this spring.