Natchez 14-year-olds fall short

Published 12:00 am Thursday, July 27, 2000

SUMMIT -&160;The Natchez Dixie Boys 14-year-old All-Stars jumped ahead of Laurel 4-0 Wednesday, but Laurel came back to eliminate Natchez 6-5 in Dixie Boys 14-year-old state tournament action.

Natchez fell to Purvis Sunday, but rebounded with two wins before Wednesday.

&uot;There were 12 teams and eight gone before us,&uot; said Natchez coach Willie Riley. &uot;It was a good experience for our kids. It was a character builder. We’re disappointed, but we went a long way.&uot;

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Natchez took a 2-0 lead in the first inning as Garrett Jones singled, Luke Ogden reached on an error and Michael Blain and Mitchell Nerrin walked. Douglas Davis followed with a single to score another run.

Natchez went up 4-0 in the third as Ogden and Blain singled and Nerrin hit into a fielder’s choice to score a run. Davis singled for the fourth run of the game.

Natchez went down in order in the fourth and fifth innings.

Laurel jumped in front 6-4 after six innings.

John Hollemon walked, Glenn Williams and Jones singled and Te Riley hit a sacrifice fly to score a run. Natchez left the bases loaded in the inning.

&uot;They came back and hit the ball a little better than we did,&uot; Riley said. &uot;We didn’t hit well. Their pitcher (Trey Sutton) came in and did a very good job in shutting us down.&uot;