MERIDIAN – District Seven’s baseball team made history in the State Games of Mississippi, claiming the gold medal. It was the first time for District Seven to win the coveted crown.

     Coaches Seth Lofton of Wesson and Steve Barrington of West Lincoln directed the Districit Seven squad.

      Lofton said, “We kept the pitchers in order and just let the players play. They did a great job.”

     District Seven  won the gold medal game 8-6 over District Two Sunday morning. Houston Case of Brookhaven was the winning pitcher. He threw five scoreless innings. Case was replaced by Jordan McCaffery of Lawrence County. Hunter Stephens pitched the seventh.

     “We got a lot of timely hits,’ said Coach Barrington. “There were a lot of nail-biters. I think we only made one error in four games.”

     Starting pitcher Jacob Fleming of North Pike helped win the opener against District Four as District Seven won 4-3  in the bottom of the seventh. Brady Badon of North Pike pitched the seventh and picked up the win.  Case had two hits in the win.

      Zach Boone of Columbia started the second game win over District One. Stephens went 3 innings in relief and Case closed it as they prevailed 7-5.

     At the plate,  Choc Hubbard of Mendenhall went 4-for-4.

     Badon  won the third game 3-2 over District Six. Randy Bell of Centreville got the save.

     Landon Nettles of Brookhaven Academy and Walt Aldridge of Parklane Academy alternated as catchers in the 4-game series that began last Thursday.

     “We had fun,” said Barrington. “Coaching that group was enjoyable.”

     Talented rising juniors and seniors composed the D7 roster. Case, Andrew Culver and Landon McCullough represented BHS. Nettles represented Brookhaven Academy.

     Shortstop Bailey Warren is from Wesson.

     McCaffrey, Stephens and Matt Patterson represented  Lawrence County. North Pike products included  Badon and Fleming.

     Natchez Trinity’s Sky Logan was a member of the team.