GALLMAN – In a fierce and grueling battle for the championship, the Lincoln County Americans managed to edge the Franklin County All-Stars 15-14 Monday night and claim the District Six title in Dixie Youth Baseball League Major 12s Tournament action on Buddy Mangum Memorial Field at Copiah Academy.

     “This was a great win,” said Lincoln County coach David Flowers, “I asked the boys to play hard and give 150 percent. They gave 300 percent effort. A lot of heart and grit was shown tonight.”

      Lincoln County will advance to play in the State Tournament Saturday at Larry Doleac Sports Complex in Hattiesburg, July 21.

     The Franklin County All-Stars concluded their season on an impressive note. They went through the tournament undefeated before losing to the Americans twice in the championship round.

     “The boys played with a lot heart,” said Franklin County coach Marla Murray. “This was the most talented team that I have coached. I am extremely proud of them. They fought hard until the very end.”

     In 11-year-old action at Keystone Park, the McComb All-Stars shut out the Natchez All-Stars 10-0 last night to win the District title and advance to the State Tournament in Hattiesburg.

Lincoln AL 15, Franklin Co. 14

     Baseball fans witnessed a tough battle and got their money’s worth as Lincoln County and Franklin County battled back and forth from start to finish.

     In the first inning, the Americans took advantage of some walks and captured a 4-0 lead.

     Franklin County fought back and tied the game at 4-all in the bottom of the second inning.

     In the third inning, both teams scored five runs to remain tied at 9-all. Brandon Lang directed the Americans with a two-run home run over right-center.

     The Americans managed to break loose from a tie game in the fourth as they pushed across one run for 10-9 lead.

     In the fifth inning, the Americans continued to increase their lead. Tucker Lambert sparked the rally with a solo blast to left field for a 15-9 advantage.

     Franklin County rallied in the bottom of the fifth to keep the game close. Kail Jordan smashed a three-run home run to cut into Lincoln County’s lead. With the score showing 15-13, Franklin County held the Americans scoreless in the top of the sixth inning to give themselves a shot for the win.

     In the bottom of the sixth, the Bude-based All-Stars managed to get their second batter on with a walk.

     With two outs recorded, Franklin County’s Teebow Hunt ripped a double to send home the runner and inch closer, FC fell short at the end with the tying run on second base as the Americans got the final out on a pop fly in the infield.

     Parker Flowers was the winning pitcher for the Americans with six strikeouts and three walks. Marquise Bridges (1K, 2BB) started. Tyler Mixon (1K, 0BB) pitched one inning in relief.

     Jacob McDaniel suffered the setback for the Franklin County with three strikeouts and three walks. Jace Watts (1K, 0BB) and Dalton Hayles (3K, 0BB) saw action in relief.

     At the plate, Lang was the offensive leader for the Americans with a home run and a single. Lambert provided a home run. Bridges contributed three singles. Price King and Mixon hit two singles apiece. Tate Fielder and Dalton Fortado had a double. Hitting safely were Gabe Nations, Johnny Bowman and Flowers.

     Jordan paced Franklin County’s offense with a home run and a single. Hunt hit a double and a single. Jason McKinney and Hayles provided a double. Chase Freeman, Drew Johnston and Jacob McDaniel hit safely.