NATCHEZ — Jacob Smith hit two home runs and was named most valuable player for the Red Team in its 7-1 win over the Blue Team in an exhibition game pitting Natchez Dixie Youth 7-year-old Coach-Pitch All-Stars against each other Friday afternoon at Sprague-Gousset Field.

Dixie Youth coach Tim Cotton said the game, which pitted one team with 12 players versus another team that had 12 players, was “a win-win all the way around” and could continue for years to come.

“It was great. It was everything we hoped it would be for the kids. The kids were excited. They had a great time,” Cotton said.

Jaylon Scaife, who had a base hit, made some good catches at first base and outran some base runners to make some outs himself at first, was named MVP of the Blue team.

The Red team scored two runs in the top of the first inning, three in the top of the fourth and two more in the top of the fifth. The Blue team’s only run came in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Smith ended up going 3-for-3 while Justin Hawkins was 3-for-3 with a double, Wyatt Hollowell was 2-for-2 with a home run, and Drew Strawbridge had a double to lead the Red team’s 13-hit barrage. John Walker Young and Hunter Boyte each had a double for the Blue team.

With more than 200 people in attendance for this inaugural exhibition game, Cotton said he was pleased with the turnout despite the high heat and humidity.

“Talking with the (Coach-Pitch) commissioner (Michael Anderson), it’s something that will become a regular item. It was a very positive thing. Everybody had fun,” Cotton said. “The stands were full. You had parents who were hollering encouragement for both teams.

“For seven-year-olds who are not used to playing the infield, it was very encouraging. They made some good outs. The parents were behinds us. It was good for the kids, good for the community. The concessions lade said she had an unbelievable night.”