A 2-hour, 55-minute marathon occurred Monday night in Day 4 ofthe Dixie Youth Baseball Major League North Subdistrict 6Tournament at Keystone Field. Facing elimination, the BrookhavenAmericans stayed alive with a hard-fought 4-3 win over the NatchezAll-Stars in 10 innings.

Natchez had outscored their previous 2 opponents in thedouble-elimination tournament 17-0, allowing only 2 hits.

With Natchez, the Americans and the Brookhaven Nationals eachhaving a single loss, a coin-toss would determine the Nationals”opposition tonight. The Americans won the toss, forcing Natchez totake on the Nationals tonight at 7 p.m.

The winner faces the Americans Wednesday at a time to bedetermined for the tournament championship.

Americans 4, Natchez 3

This game featured some outstanding pitching. Brennan Miller andCorey Funk toed the mound for the Americans, while Scott Turner,Givonni Dent and Christopher Perry worked for Natchez.

Perry suffered the loss in relief of starter Scott Turner. Perrywork 3.2 innings on the mound, allowing 2 runs on 1 hit, issuing 1base on balls and fanning 4 American batters.

Funk garnered the win for the Americans, allowing no runs, 1hit, 3 walks, and striking out 6 in the final 3 innings. Miller hada masterful performance on the mound, going the first 7 innings. Hegave up 3 runs on 2 hits, issued 1 walk and struck out 10.

The Americans, coached by Glenn Miller, Ricky Case and LarryKillingsworth, opened the scoring in their half of the first. With1 out, Funk drew a walk. Tyler Case walked, moving Funk to second.A pair of passed balls issued by Turner would eventually allow Funkto cross home plate for a 1-0 American lead.

The Americans plated 2 runs in the bottom of the second. JakeShelby walked and stole second. Shelby would later score on 2 wildpitches by Dent. E.J. Henderson walked and moved to second on awild pitch. Three batters later, Drew Jones singled home Hendersonand the Americans held a 3-0 advantage.

But Natchez would not go easily, as evident by its 3-run fifthto gain a 3-3 deadlock. With 2 outs, Jake Brumfield reached on anerror. Dent walked. Trevon Chatman reached first, loading thebases, as he was hit by a pitch. Trevor Farmer smacked a double toleft field, scoring Brumfield, Dent and Chatman.

Natchez is coached by Spanky Brumfield, Boo Brumfield and LukeBrumfield.

Pitching became the dominant force over the next 4 innings. Eachteam had several opportunities to pull out the win, but strikescame with much frequency.

In the bottom of the tenth, Miller and Funk both reached on anerror. Miller went to third on a wild pitch by Perry. Lance Springreached first as he was hit by a pitch; loading the bases. Casegrounded to first, but Turner bobbled the ball; allowing Miller toscore the game-winner on an error.