NATCHEZ &8212; A theme emerged throughout the Dixie Youth 12-year-old All-Star District Tournament.

Natchez would jump out to a big first inning lead, as they did in the first two games of the best-of-three series, and things would slow down following that.

That formula failed in game one of the series, but was good enough in games two and three as Natchez took an 8-0 win over Summit Monday night at Carroll Jones Field.

Natchez head coach Boo Brumfield said the pattern through the series was interesting to behold.

&8220;We jumped out ahead every time, but they changed pitchers every time,&8221; Brumfield said. &8220;Every time the pitcher they switched to was more effective. Tonight our pitching just got us through. Those two kids (pitchers Scott Turner and Giovanni Dent) did a great job tonight. They&8217;re getting way more consistent, and when they&8217;re on they&8217;re almost un-hittable.&8221;

Turner took the win on the mound for Natchez, while Dent closed out the final two innings.

Dent also led Natchez in batting, going 2-for-2 with a double. Johnny Smith and Trevor Farmer each also had doubles.

The win sent Natchez to this weekend&8217;s Dixie Youth State Tournament in McGee. They will open play Saturday against an opponent to be named later at a time to be determined.

&8220;We haven&8217;t hit the ball very well this series,&8221; Brumfield said. &8220;We hit it a lot better tonight. If we get the bats going it should be smooth sailing to Tennessee (site of the Dixie Youth World Series).&8221;