NATCHEZ — The T.M. Jennings 11- and 12-year-old All-Star team had a flair for the dramatic at the district tournament this weekend.

After needing a walk-off home run from Shavoke Herrington Friday night against Hattiesburg to advance to the championship game, the 11s and 12s needed a shut-down pitching performance from Ernest Woods Jr. to secure the title Saturday night.

T.M. Jennings took an 8-5 lead into the final inning of play, but Quitman managed two runs before Woods collected a couple of strike outs to close the game 8-7.

Jakari Caston had a big night at the plate for T.M. Jennings. He had a double and hit an inside-the-park home run. Woods went 2-for-4 with a double in the game.

The win allows T.M. Jennings to advance to the state tournament in Biloxi, which starts Friday.

T.M. Jennings 9s and 10s 22,

Hattiesburg 2

The T.M. Jennings 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars exploded offensively to advance to the state tournament with a 22-2 victory over Hattiesburg in the district championship game.

Jordan Caston hit an inside-the-park home run in the game. Cedric Green Jr. added a triple, and James Singleton hit a double to lead the T.M. Jennings offense.

“They are real excited,” head coach Cedric Green Sr. said. “They just wanted to win and move to the next level. They are a really anxious group this time and want to win this year. A lot of them get down, but they pick themselves back up, and they are picking each other up now.”

The 9s and 10s will head to Biloxi Friday to start play in the state tournament.