A pair of big rallies proved to be the difference Friday night as Bogue Chitto slipped past Natchez 15-9 in baseball action.

With the game tied 8-8 after four innings, the Bobcats outscored the youthful Bulldogs 7-1 to secure the win.

“I’m seeing great improvement right now,” Natchez coach Dan Smith said. “From my eighth graders on up, they’re getting better by the day.”

Senior pitcher Jordan Hamilton did everything he could in relief to help keep his team in the game, but wore down in the sixth as he surrendered four runs. Hamilton entered the game in the third with Natchez trailing 7-3 and tossed five strong innings, allowing just four earned runs.

“He’s my bulldog,” Smith said. “He’s my only senior that I have. I’m proud of him.”

Jatavis Melton led the Bulldogs with three hits, two stolen bases and scored and drove in two runs. The standout junior also collected two assists from his centerfield post, throwing a pair of runners out attempting to gain an extra base.

“He’s playing his heart out, and everyone else is coming along with him,” Smith said.

Natchez, which boasts just three senior starters, flashed both skill and its inexperience throughout. Right-fielder Jamel Myles made a pair of running catches to highlight the defensive plays, but the Bulldogs were also hampered by miscues as they committed five errors.

Myles collected two hits, smacking a single in the second before lacing a double in the sixth. L.J. Minor roped a triple and eventually scored on Myles’ second-inning single.

After trailing 2-1 heading to the second, Bogue Chitto sent nine men to the plate in a six-run rally.

Connor Price had two hits, including an RBI triple for the Bobcats, while Tanner Gunther tallied a two-run scoring double in the sixth.

Natchez stole five bases in the game.

“We’re going to do that (steal bases),” Smith said.

Natchez will be back in action Tuesday when it travels to Jackson to compete in the JPS Tournament.

“Some of the younger kids are getting a little more experience, and they’re getting better,” Smith said. Hopefully by region play (March 21 against Provine) hopefully we’ll everything down.”