GLOSTER -The Franklin County All-Stars defeated Natchez 15-1 and7-3 Wednesday night to clinch the Dixie Youth Baseball AAA WestSubdistrict championship. Franklin County advances to the DistrictSix AAA Tournament which starts Saturday night at Brookhaven’sLofton Field.

Franklin County will play the Brookhaven American LeagueAll-Stars at 8 p.m., in the opening round of the double-eliminationtournament.

“After losing the first game, our backs were against the wall,”said Franklin County coach Lance Murray. “Our kids showeddetermination and surprised a lot of people.”

Franklin County lost to Pine Hills in the opening round but cameback strong.

Franklin Co. 7, Natchez 3

Ryan Ratcliff pitched the championship win over Natchez.In 5 innings, Ratcliff struck out 12 batters and walked3.

Matthew Lofton hurled the seventh inning and got thesave, recording 1 strikeout.

Colby Verruchi was the losing pitcher. He walked 4 andfanned 5.

Leading Franklin County at the plate was Ratcliff whodoubled and singled. John Paul Sullivan went 2-for-2. Loftonsingled.

Natchez was led by Lee Guebon who tripled andsingled.

Franklin County scored 2 runs in the first inning andled 6-3 entering the sixth.

Franklin Co. 15, Natchez 1

Cable McMinn pitched a no-hitter against Natchez in 4innings. McMinn fanned 9 batters and walked 6.

Verruchi was the losing pitcher. He struck out 4 battersand walked 4.

At the plate, Robert Wilson led Franklin County with 2doubles and 5 RBIs. Jarvis King went 2-for-2. Ratcliff, Sullivanand Lofton also hit safely.