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Dianne’s Frame Shop’s Nick Mascagni, left, fields a throw from second base as UMB’s K’Vian Smith runs safely into third Monday during a Dixie Youth baseball game in Natchez. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Dianne’s Frame Shop’s E.J. Hutchins waits for a pitch during Monday’s action. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Dianne’s Frame Shop knew it needed to do something Monday to revive its offense after combining just three runs in its previous two games.

With nine players registering at least one hit on the night, it did just that while cruising to a 17-5 victory over United Mississippi Bank in 7- 8-year-old Natchez Dixie Youth action at Duncan Park.

“Pretty much everybody hit it well,” Dianne’s coach Jody Smith said. “We made the plays we were supposed to.”

Dianne’s had two players bat perfect in the game, with E.J. Hutchins and Heath Isbell each going 4-for-4. Hutchins also scored four runs in the win, including his two-run homer on a ground ball to left field in the top of the sixth inning. Isbell ended with two runs scored.

“(E.J.) had been struggling, but he opened it up tonight,” Smith said.

Smith said his team’s transition in offense was credited to a more aggressive approach at the plate.

Ryder Smith, Giles Lees, Nick Mascagni and Timber Merritt all ended with three hits for Dianne’s Frame Shop. Dane Novak had two, and Bradley Boyette and Charlie Farina each had one.

“We had been hitting the ball to the opposite field, and we pulled it together and hit it a little bit harder on the ground,” he said. “Some kids at this age are worried about striking out, and so they don’t hit it hard.”

Smith also said his players have a distinct mentality that helps remarkably.

“I want them to think they are the best,” he said. “That’s the mentality that you need to have because if you get out a couple times, you get down and you won’t be able to perform. If you are still confident, you might get that hit the last time. It lets the kids believe in themselves and believe in their team.”

UMB was able to tie the game 3-3 after one inning with the help of a two-run home run from Luke Hargis, but couldn’t keep its momentum.

“We just couldn’t get it,” UMB coach Luke Spillers said. “(Dianne’s) has a great defense and good gloves all around. We tried, but we didn’t try hard enough. I’m still proud of them win or lose.”

Hargis ended the game going 2-for-3. Also ended with hits for UMB were Ahmad Jones going 2-for-2 and John Riley Spillers and Levi Beesley each batting 2-for-3.

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