A 22-18 loss to Texarkana, Texas at the Dixie Youth T-ball World Series ended a memorable run for the Natchez T-ball All-Stars Sunday.

The all-stars dropped their first game in bracket play, eliminating them from the tournament.

“I’ve never blamed a game on it before, but I think officiating got us today,” Natchez coach Wes Middleton said. “We had four really bad calls go against us. I talked to some of the coaches here, and a lot of them were disappointed in the officiating.”

Middleton said despite the loss, his team demonstrated poise and confidence well beyond their years.

Middleton said his squad received standout performances at the plate from Brody Bass, Heath Isbell and Giles Lees, while Timber Merritt, Ryder Smith and Jake Middleton were excellent in the field.

“We hit the ball good today,” Middleton said. “I’m proud of every boy on the team. I appreciated all the assistant coaches, and the four of us help made these kids twice the ball players they were from where we started eight weeks go, and that’s the main part.”

The all-stars finished 0-5 in the tournament, but Middleton said his team stacked up well against some of the best teams from across the country.

“There were some very talented teams here,” he said. “Just to be able to go where we did was a tribute to the boys and their hard work. It was a great opportunity for these boys, and I’m super proud of them for what they’ve accomplished and look forward to watching them grow and get better.”