BUDE — The Natchez 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars avoided elimination Tuesday afternoon at the district tournament by holding on for a 4-2 win over Pine Hills.

Ben Foster went all six innings for Natchez to pick up the win. Alex McCready accounted for much of the team’s hitting and scoring as he went 3-for-3, including a three-run home run in the top of the first inning.

“I think our morale was a whole lot better this game,” head coach Brynson Rogers. “We were pumped up for it, and we looked like an all-star team compared to (Monday) night. Our bats finally woke up.

Assistant coach David Lindsey also said he was pleased with his team bouncing back.

“They came out ready to play today and swung the bats a lot better today,” Lindsey said. “We got the hits when we needed them.”

As for Foster’s complete-game performance, Lindsey said, “Ben pitched another awesome game. They (Pine Hills) had trouble hitting the curveball. When they did hit the curveball, we made the plays in the field.”

Rogers said both Foster and McCready were both key in his team’s win.

“Alex McCready had a great game,” Rogers said. “He sparked our team. Ben Foster did an awesome job on the mound. He dug deep and threw a great game.”

Natchez will next take on the Lincoln County Americans at 8 p.m. today. Natchez must beat the Americans twice to win district.