NATCHEZ —The Natchez 12-year-olds put their three game winning streak on the line against Wesson in the Dixie Youth Sub-District Tournament.

They won 9-1 to advance to the championship game against Copiah at 6 p.m. on the Carroll-Jones Field.

Natchez was able to jump out early scoring three runs on an error by Wesson shortstop Zach Luke in the first inning.

Natchez starting pitcher Andrew Moroney started strong in the first, forcing three ground balls for easy outs.

He was knocked out of the game in the second after a line drive struck his leg and forced coach Gus Perry to bring in reliever Daniel Huffines.

“I didn’t even see the ball coming, said Moroney, but I sure felt it.”

“I wasn’t expecting to bring Huffines in till the third inning,” Perry said. “Andrew [Moroney] is a tough kid. He’ll be back tomorrow night.”

Natchez scored two runs in the third off a Christopher Perry home run and tacked on two runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Huffines pitched four innings, striking out four and allowing no walks.

“I knew I was coming in after Andrew got hurt,” Huffines said. “I just had throw strikes and let my defense do the work. They played great tonight.”

Sky Logan and Perry had two RBIs and Tyler Duncan and Tanner Martin had one RBI each.

“This is a great group with a lot of heart,” Gus Perry said. “Even after Moroney got hurt, every one stepped it up and played great.”

Since Copiah has one loss, they have to defeat Natchez twice to advance to the district championship.

If Natchez wins they will host game one of the Dixie Youth District Championship against the winner of the North Sub-District.