MEADVILLE — The Natchez 12-year-old All-Stars advanced to the championship round of the North Sub-District Tournament with a 12-6 win over the Lincoln County Americans Thursday afternoon.

Natchez used the long ball to first jump out to a big lead and then to end the Lincoln County American’s rally and put the game away.

Brock Farmer and Zach Flattmann reached base before Dalvion Jackson hit a three-run home run as Natchez jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Then the Lincoln County Americans cut into the lead by scoring one run each in the bottom of the first, second and third innings to make a 5-3 ball game.

“They had a really good pitcher on the mound. We hit in spurts,” Natchez coach Gary Farmer said. “They chipped away at the lead. Then we saw the ball a little longer and were able to hit the ball again.”

Farmer said the key to the team’s win in this elimination game was getting off to a good start — especially being the visiting team.

“It was very important. That was a tough extra-inning loss (to Franklin County) last night. To really get off to a good start and have a 5-0 lead was essential. It was very important,” Farmer said.

After Natchez scored three runs in the top of the fourth to give the visiting team an 8-3 lead, Flattmann hit a two-run home run as Natchez scored three runs in the top of the fifth for a commanding 11-3 advantage.

The Lincoln County Americans scored once in the bottom of the fifth to trail 11-6 before Natchez scored its final run of the game in the top of the sixth. The Lincoln County Americans’ last attempted rally fell woefully short as they scored just two runs.

Brock Farmer pitched three innings and was credited with the win on the mound for Natchez. Jace Calcote had a double and Cole Mosby went 2-for-2.

“We did what it took to win. Solid, solid pitching and good defense,” coach Farmer said.

If Franklin County defeats Copiah in Thursday night’s winners’ bracket game, then one-loss Natchez will take on undefeated Franklin County today at 6 p.m. and will have to defeat Franklin County to force a second and deciding game on Saturday. Natchez has to defeat Franklin County twice to move on to the district tournament.

However, if Copiah defeats Franklin County, then Natchez, Franklin County and Copiah will have one loss. Natchez has the bye and will await the winner of today’s game at 6 p.m. between Franklin County and Copiah.