NATCHEZ — The Natchez All-stars Dixie youth coach pitch team was eliminated from the district tournament in a tough battle with the Lincoln Nationals Saturday in an 11-8 elimination game.

Natchez lost a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning, and though they were able to climb back to a 8-7 lead in the top of the fifth inning, Lincoln refused to lose in the bottom of the fifth inning with four unanswered runs.

Natchez head coach David Carter said his players did well, but Lincoln had a better night.

“That’s a team on our level and we matched up good with them, they just made the plays,” Carter said. “Our boys hit the ball, but they made fielding plays, so hats off to them.”

Blake Perkins’ hit sparked Natchez’s 4-1 lead with the bases loaded in the top of the second to bring in two runs.

It seemed Natchez had the game in the bag as they ended the bottom of the second early, tagging out the first three batters, then went up 5-1 in the top of the third inning.

But Lincoln gained momentum when they took the lead 6-5 as Kayne Case singled to bring home Mark Hodges and Taylor Living.

Lincoln capitalized on its lead and caught Natchez with three straight outs to begin the fourth inning, then extended its lead to two runs, 7-5.

Jamie Wilson gave Natchez life in the top of the fifth inning as he connected with the ball with the bases loaded and