VIDALIA — The Natchez Coach Pitch 7 and 8 year-old all stars began their tournament practice last night in a double header against the Vidalia Nationals and Vidalia Americans. The two meetings were not as much about winning as it was a chance for the coaches to gain perspectives on their teams.

The first game against the Nationals, Natchez handled easily by winning 20 to 2. Jason Beard, coach of the Vidalia Nationals that his team “had some nerves” and expressed belief that “a couple of games will get rid of them.” He also noted that Natchez “played a heck of a game.” He complimented Natchez’s third baseman Landon Havard and catcher Chandler Corbin, observing that they “made some great plays. They played really well.”

As impressive as the first game was for Natchez, so was the second. They won again by double digits, this time defeating the Vidalia Americans 18-7.

Adams complimented his team, saying that that they “knocked the cover off that ball … batters one through 12 hit very well” against “two very tough teams.”

However, he also said there were some areas for Natchez to improve on, particularly some “shaky defense.” Adams did not express too much concern over the issue since the team has only had one real practice, since the players were decided by ballet on Tuesday.

All three teams, the Nationals, the Americans, and the Natchez All Stars begin playing tournaments later this month. Natchez begins on June 27, with Vidalia starting on June 28.