HATTIESBURG – The Lincoln County Nationals were eliminated bythe Laurel Nationals 6-2 in Tuesday night, Dixie Youth Baseball AAA10s State Championship Tournament action at the Larry Doleac SportsComplex.

“I am extremely proud of my guys and the season we had,” saidNationals Head Coach Stan Winborne. “We managed to get to state andwe represented Lincoln County really well.”

Laurel awaits the winner of the Kosciusko-Pascagoula game. Thechampionship game is set for tonight, starting at 6 p.m.

“I am sad to see it is over for us,” said Winborne. “My guys reallyhad a great time playing ball and they have a lot to be proudof.”

Laurel 6, Lincoln County 2

Dylan Winborne absorbed the loss in pitching relief for LincolnCounty, collecting one strikeout and two walks. Tanner Waldrop (0K, 2 BB) was the starting pitcher. Ben Springfield (1K, 1BB) alsopitched in relief.

Hayden Bryan was the winning pitcher as he went the distance forthe Laurel Nationals, collecting five strikeouts and six walks.Bryan allowed five hits, all singles.

“Laurel has a very good ball team,” continued Winborne. “Theymanaged to capitalize on our mistakes. You cannot give up walks andhave costly errors against a good team like that.”

Tanner Waldrop and Dillon Griffin were the leading batters forLincoln County, hitting two singles apiece. Ben Springfield alsoprovided a single.

“My guys fought hard to win this game,” added Winborne. “We managedto get some timely hits off of their ace pitcher.”

Dalton Cummings and Bryan provided the offensive attack for Laurelwith a double apiece. Garrett Herring, Christian Carter and JayHawthorn each hit a single.

“Finally, I would like to give thanks for all the support wereceived from families and friends as we advanced deep into theplayoffs,” said Winborne. “I would also like to give thanks to ourcommissioner Weldon Smith for providing us with new uniforms torepresent Lincoln County in style in the State Tournament.

“And to say thanks to B-92 and The DAILY LEADER for providing uscoverage on the games to keep the people at home informed on howthe team was doing.”

Laurel broke a 2-2 deadlock in the bottom of the fifth with a 4-runuprising. Cummings cleared the bases with a 3-RBI double.