The McComb 9-year-old American League All-Star team’s journey to a state title came to an end Sunday after its 16-6 loss to the Laurel-Jones County American League, ending their season.
“This was a very disappointing loss compared to the recent battles to reach this point,” McComb coach Kirby Fleming said.
After rallying from a 7-run deficit in the first inning, the team went on to beat host-team Magee 24-16 in the first game of the tournament. Conner Simmons, Wayne Tre Nobles, Brent Fleming, Cardell McDowell, Jaxson Steele, LeMarcus Miller and Jaxon Adams added key hits throughout the game.
Following the big win, the McComb team faced off with Columbia. After five innings, the score was 12-10 in favor of Columbia, but McComb continued to fight.
By the sixth inning, the team was down by just one run. With all the chips on the table, the team was unable to get another run across the plate with the bases loaded and two outs on the board.
“This was a very hard loss for the team. We were so close,” Fleming said.
After an emotional day Saturday, the team faultered again in Sunday’s game, putting an end to McComb’s tournament hopes.
“We came out flat and really struggled throughout the game. It was a very disappointing loss to the team that never quit,” Fleming said.
Nobles, McDowell, Greer, Miller, Jaxon Adams, Caden Myers and Jaylin Speight all had hits for McComb.
Despite the loss, Fleming had high praise.
“I am very proud of this group of boys and how quickly we bonded as a team. They fought courageously throughout the 2014 All-Star season,” he said. “They represented our league and McComb well.”
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While the 9-year-old team was eliminated, the McComb 10-year-old American League team beat Natchez in consecutive games on Friday and Saturday. Now, the team heads to the state tournament this weekend in Mendenhall.
The team got off on the right foot Friday, defeating Natchez 17-3. Whit Price pitched for the McComb team, and Sean Artigus and Blaine White each had several hits for the team.
“We hit the ball very well and Whit pitched extremely well,” coach Adam Price said.
But after the big win the night before, the McComb squad struggled to gain momentum on Saturday.
“We came out sluggish. Natchez looked completely different from the night before, and I think it took the team by surprise,” Price said.
After three innings, Natchez led 4-1. That’s when Whit Price stepped up to the plate and hit an in-the-park home run, spurring a rally all the way to the end, resulting in a 8-4 win. Peyton Bodan went 3-for-3, providing a few key hits in the game.
“We are excited to move on. This has been a long season so far, as long as a major league season actually,” Price said. “But, I’ve told the kids if they can make it all the way to the national Dixie League World Series, they will miss their first week of school. I hope this works as an incentive.”
