Brookhaven’s National and American League All-Star teams made astrong statement in the opening round of the Dixie Youth BaseballMajor League North Subdistrict Tournament. They were bothimpressive winners Friday night at Keystone Park as the Nationalsswamped Crystal Springs 12-0 and the Americans whipped Wesson14-1.

The Nationals advance to Monday night’s third round, meeting thewinner Hazlehurst, a 3-0 Saturday winner over the BrookhavenAmerican League, as the double-elimination tournament continues.Wesson played Crystal Springs in an elimination game Saturdaynight.

Americans 14, Wesson 1

The Americans overwhelmed Wesson with a 5-run firstinning and the game only last 3 and 1/2 innings. The Americansplated 8 runs in the third.

Directing the American attack was Brandon Smith with 2doubles. His third-inning, RBI double gave the hosts a 10-1 lead.He started on the mound and got the win with 3 strikeouts and 4walks to his credit.

Zach Watson replaced Smith in the second after Smithissued 3 straight walks to load the bases. Watson struck out 6batters and did not issue a base on balls. Wesson scored its onlyrun on a wild pitch in the second inning.

Adam Lucas replaced Watson in the fourth and fanned 3batters.

Alan Stegall started on the mound for Wesson. He wasrelieved by George Baker and Joey Hamilton. Second baseman Ben Headhad the only hit for Wesson.

Keith Franklin and R.J. Jenkins provided triples duringthe 8-run, third-inning explosion. An RBI double by Garrett Wallacemade it 14-1.

Watson collected 2 singles in the victory. Travis Olson,Josh Coone and Elliott Warren singled for Brookhaven. ChaseCovington had an RBI groundout.

Nationals 12, C. Springs 0

Pitchers Cole Newell and Drew Case combined talents toshut out Crystal Springs. Newell went the first 2 innings, strikingout 3 batters and walking none., Case held the visitors hitless andfanned 2 batters as the Nationals won in 4 innings.

“Our kids played with a lot of confidence,” saidNational League manager Buddy Thibodeaux. “We played 12 practicegames so they were pretty comfortable out there.”

At the plate, Marlon Dixon hit a 3-RBI triple for theNationals. Joseph Wallace had a 2-RBI triple. Michael Hall doubled.Providing singles were Robby Dees, Tyler Cunningham, RussellElliott, Bradley Allred and Case.

The Nationals took a 5-0 lead in the first and plated 5more runs in the second.

Crystal Springs was limited to 2 hits, singles by DavidHobkirk and Ben Stevens.

Losing pitcher Matt Wright fanned 3 batters and walked 4in 2 innings., Daniel Sims pitched the final 2 frames.