Natchez All-Star teams competing in the Dixie Youth State Tournament met different fates on Saturday, as a 13-year-old team won their first round matchup and the 14-year-old squad lost.

The 13-year-old team downed Columbia, 15-2, in their quest for the world series.

The team’s hitting performance proved to be the determining factor in the game, according to coach Tim Foster.

&uot;Our kids are doing well,&uot; Foster said. &uot;They showed discipline at the plate and are making good contact.&uot;

Benji Maher picked up the win for the younger group. He struck out six batters.

Natchez scored four runs in the first, each via stolen bases and past balls.

They poured on five more in the second inning, manufacturing the runs with base hits. David New III’s two-RBI-double proved to be the big blow in that inning.

Already leading 9-1 in the third inning, Natchez added five runs in the fourth to preserve the 15-2 lead.

&uot;We had a lot of stolen bases tonight,&uot; Foster said. &uot;The guys were picking up the signals really well and making the best of their opportunities.&uot;

Natchez will play the winner of the Clarksdale-Forrest game tonight at 8.

Purvis 13, Natchez 12

After a two-hour rain delay, the 14-year-old squad committed costly errors that cost them a first round game against Purvis – forcing an elimination game tonight.

Assistant coach Loyd Trissler said the team will face the loser of the Amory-Magee game at 5 p.m. today.

Jeremy Davis and Chris Rasco hit a home run apiece for Natchez, while Dustin Case and Kevin Bishop each had doubles.