BUDE – The Franklin County All-Stars thumped the Lincoln County Nationals 17-5 Monday night and advanced to the semifinals of the Dixie Youth Baseball AAA All-Star 10-year-old District Six Tournament at Leroy “Cowboy” Jones Memorial Field.

     In late action, the Natchez All-Stars eliminated the Copiah All-Stars 14-4 in the losers bracket.

     “This was a good win,” said Franklin County coach Trey Hill. “The fought hard and hit the ball really well. Overall, I was extremely proud of the team’s effort.”

     Tournament action continues today as the Lincoln County Nationals battle Natchez at 6 p.m. in an elimination game. In the nightcap, Franklin County entertains the Lincoln County Americans at 8.

Franklin Co. 17, Lincoln NL 5

     Trevor Boyler was the winning pitcher for Franklin County with two strikeouts and three walks. Colby Guice (2K, 3BB) threw two innings in relief as they limited Lincoln County to just two hits.

     Karlton Byrd absorbed the setback for the Nationals with one strikeout and five walks. Trey Fortenberry (1K, 1BB) pitched in relief.

     Kason Clark and Boyler provided the offensive spark to lead Franklin County with three singles. Tristen Hayles fueled the flames with a double and a single. Braden Whitehead contributed two singles and Jamikel Mackey hit a double. Hitting safely were Dobbie Brown, Wyatt Brumfield, Jett Watts, Wyatt Martin and Guice.

     Lincoln County was paced by Mackenzie Porter and Trevor Smith with a single apiece.

     “Franklin County outplayed us both offensively and defensively,” said Lincoln County Nationals coach Darrell Morse. “We must regroup and put this game behind us. We must play a lot better on both sides if we want to remain in the hunt.”

Natchez 14, Copiah 4

     Jakel Barnes had a huge night for the Natchez All-Stars as he collected the win on the mound and provided a big bat to lead his team with a triple and a double.

     Ben White and Matt Patty contributed two hits apiece to help Barnes offensively. Bankston Jordan ripped a triple and Braderick Dean hit a solo home run.