NATCHEZ — Both T.M. Jennings Little League All-Star teams made their way to the state finals Saturday. The 11- and 12-year-old team won a tough battle against Hattiesburg’s 11- and 12-year-olds, while the 9- and 10-year-old team from T.M. Jennings did not have to fight at all.

The 11s and 12s had to overcome an early four-run deficit after Hattiesburg put up four runs in the top of the first inning, Natchez coach Deselle Davis said. But the T.M. Jennings squad was able to claw their way back and win the game 8-7, with some sixth-inning heroics by Tyler Harris, Davis said.

“They started out kind of sluggish at first,” Davis said. “After that they got a better attitude and found a way to come back and win.”

Natchez started its comeback with a run in the bottom of the first off a Kevontaye Caston home run to answer the four put up by Hattiesburg.

Then Tavarez Letcher doubled in a run in the third to close the game to two.

The fifth inning was the big inning for the T.M. Jennings squad led by a grand slam by Letcher to give Natchez its first lead.

Hattiesburg managed to tie the game at seven in the top of the sixth inning, but could not hold on in the bottom of the frame.

Natchez started the inning off with a walk, and then Caston doubled to set the stage for Harris’ double to win the game.

“I’m real proud of them because I think I got more gray hair after this weekend than I ever had,” Davis said.

The T.M. Jennings 9s and 10s had a much less stressful day on the diamond.

The 9- and 10-year-old team, head coached by Osmon Perkins, advanced to the state final as well, but they did so without having to pick up a bat or ball.

The 9- and 10-year-old Hattiesburg team was forced to forfeit the game Saturday because they did not have enough players, Davis said.

Both teams swept their series with Hattiesburg and advance to play in the state final July 22 in D’Iberville. Their opponents have yet to be determined.

Davis said the wins Saturday secured back-to-back district titles for both the Natchez T.M. Jennings’ All-Star teams.