BUDE – The Lincoln County Americans began the march towards the state tournament with a exciting 5-2 win over their counterparts the Lincoln County Nationals Monday night in the Dixie Youth 11- and-12-year-old District Six Tournament action at Leroy “Cowboy” Jones Memorial Field in Bude.

The tournament continues Tuesday as the Lincoln County Nationals tangle with winner of the Franklin County-Pine Hill series at 6 p.m. in the loser’s bracket. The Americans will take on the Walthall All-Stars at 7 p.m. in the winner’s bracket.

Tournament action will conclude on Thursday with the championship contest, starting at 6 p.m.

Lincoln Co. Americans 5, Lincoln Co. Nationals 2 

The Lincoln County teams from Brookhaven provided a exciting contest for their baseball fans as both teams battled in a close game.

In the first inning, the Nationals came out and quickly took command of to the contest as they pushed one run across the plate to take an early 1-0 lead.

In the second and third innings, the Americans’ offense came alive and scored two runs each in the second and third innings to secured a commanding 4-1 lead.

Both teams fought in a scoreless fourth inning, before the Americans added another run on the scoreboard in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Dakota Willard to take a 5-1 lead.

The Nationals managed to break up their scoreless drought in the top of the sixth inning as they scored one run to cut down the Americans’ lead to 5-2. With two outs, the Nationals threatened to make a big comeback as they loaded the bases, but the Americans managed to record the final out to secure win on a strikeout.

Tyler Fortenberry pitched the win for the Americans as he tossed six complete innings to collect 15 strikeouts and gave up only four walks on six hit performance.

Dylan Reeves suffered the setback on the mound for the Nationals with five strikeouts and five walks. Dylan Carter (3K, 1BB) also pitched in relief for the Nationals.

Willard directed the Americans’ offense with a solo home run. Fortenberry also powered the Americans at the plate with three singles. Pike Wallace contributed two singles. Hitting safely were Jackson Carter, August Sullivan, Matthew Burns and Shelton.

Colby Carwyle paced the Nationals’ offense with a double. J.T. McCaffrey, Jon Albritton, Sam Smith, Conner Hall and Trace Brady hit safely.