NATCHEZ — Wednesday night was the conclusion of a season’s worth of hard work for the six teams in the T.M. Jennings Baseball League playing for their respective championships.

“Overall it was a good season,” Commissioner Eric Fry said. “It started out strong and finished well.”

Not only were the championship games taking place Wednesday, but registration and interest in the league was increased from a year ago.

“We’ve had more kids than we needed per team, and that’s why we added more teams this year,” Fry said.

Because of increased numbers, the league expanded to 16 teams in four leagues, T-ball, coach pitch, 9-and 10-year-olds and 11-and 12-year-olds.

Although registration is up, Fry said he’d like to see the community come out and support the league more.

“I would like more men to come out and help with the kids. It takes a community to keep it going,” Fry said.

Supervisor Grennell 15,

Jafe Entertainment Systems 9

Supervisor Grennell was able to hold off Jafe Entertainment systems 15-9 to win the coach pitch championship.

Although the game was close for much of the game, Supervisor Grennell was able to pull ahead towards the end of the game.

“They just persevered,” coach Ernest Wood Sr. said. “They were able to put the bats on the ball. I told them to just concentrate on the ball, and that’s what they did.

Wood Sr. said the turning point in the game was when Ernest Wood Jr. hit a three-run inside-the-park home run to put Supervisor Grennell ahead 13-9.

McDonalds 12,

Mackel and Sons Funeral System 10

A trip to Pizza Hut was on the line Wednesday night as McDonalds played Mackel and Sons Funeral System in the 9-and 10-year-old championship game.

Despite being in the lead for most of the game, McDonalds had to fight to hold onto the championship.

In the sixth inning, Mackel and Sons Funeral System made a push to take the lead, but McDonalds was able to hold on for the 12-10 victory.

“I’m just excited for the kids because they worked hard,” coach Tarvares Letcher said. “They gave me all their effort.”

United Mississippi Bank and Regions Bank 18, B&K Bank 7

B&K Bank scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth to come within six runs, down 12-6, but United Mississippi Bank and Regions Bank was too strong for their opponent in the end.

In the top of the sixth, United Mississippi Bank and Regions Bank quickly retaliated with six runs in to extend their lead to 18-7.

“Defense is what won it for us,” coach Jason Wright said. “To keep a team with their strong lineup to only seven runs was an accomplishment.”

Despite being down early, B&K Bank’s Sadarrius Pollard hit a home run to give his team hope.

The win for United Mississippi Bank and Regions Bank was more than just an accomplishment on the field, it was a life lesson.

“Understand no matter where you go, know it’s not about you. It’s about everyone around you,” Wright told his team following the game.

The T.M. Jennings baseball league will be hosting an all-star tournament July 10-12. Meridian and Hattiesburg will have teams participate in the tournament as well.