SUMMIT – The Natchez All-Stars took a strong step forward intheir state title defense, beating Brookhaven 5-1 Saturday night inthe Dixie Boys Baseball 14s District Four Tournament.

Brookhaven plays Summit Monday night at 6:30 in an eliminationgame. Summit eliminated Copiah County 11-4 Saturday after losing8-4 to Natchez in a rain-delayed opening round contest. Natchezplays the Brookhaven-Summit winner Tuesday night at 6.

Natchez 5, Brookhaven 1

Natchez exploded for 3 first-inning runs. Benji Maher hit a2-run homer. They added 1 run in the fourth and 1 in the sixth.

Cole Bradford singled and doubled for Natchez. Clay Floydsingled twice. Michael Chapman singled.

Brookhaven scored its only run in the sixth. Patrick Holcomb andMason Warren slugged doubles. Holcomb scored the run.

Brookhaven finished with 4 hits. Paul Davis and Michael Brittsingled.

Timmy Foster was the winning pitcher for Natchez. In 7 innings,Foster struck out 11 batters and walked 1.

Kyle James started on the mound for Brookhaven and absorbed theloss. He fanned 2 batters and walked 2.

Corey Puckett went 5.1 innings of relief. He fanned 6 battersand didn’t issue a base on balls.

Summit 13s Win

In the Dixie Boys 13s district tourney at Brookhaven’s ExchangeClub Park, Summit beat Natchez 5-2 Saturday. Summit playsBrookhaven Monday night at 6 as the double-elimination tournamentcontinues.