NEW ORLEANS — The Vidalia 19U all-stars began their Louisiana Dixie Boys state tournament with a win Saturday over Ponchatoula, 7-4.

Lee Lancaster earned the win on the mound pitching 4.1 innings and recording five strikeouts. Peyton Fort and Josh Day came in for relief and each pitched 1.1 innings.

Cam Rodgers led the offense for the Purple Sox going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Day added an additional two RBIs on 1-for-3 hitting.

“We just did what it took to win,” coach Greg Naquin said.

Vidalia will play again at 6:30 p.m. today against JPDR East.

17U Purple Sox fall in first game

NEW ORLEANS — The Vidalia 17U Purple Sox all-stars fell in their first game of the Louisiana Dixie Boys state tournament Saturday to JPRD East, 12-2.

Vidalia scored its only to runs in the second inning when Tony Tolliver batted in Trelon Jones and Nick Melton hit an RBI single to score Tolliver.

Melton, Devin Winchester, Dylan LaPrairie and Rhet McDonald combined to pitch the loss.

The Purple Sox will play again at 11:30 a.m.

Ferriday Gators win first game at state

MADISONVILLE, La. — The Ferriday Gators won their first game of the Louisiana Dixie Debs state tournament Friday night over Rayville, 2-1.

Elizabeth Smith was the winning pitcher, closing out the last five innings. The Gators combined to give up three hits, one walk and pitch eight strikeouts.

Rayville had an early lead in the second inning, 1-0. Ferriday responded in the fourth when Makenna Patt had an RBI single to score Skylar Bolyer.

Brianna Henson scored the winning run after leading off the sixth inning with a triple and crossing home plate on a sacrifice fly from Bolyer.

“It was the best game we’ve played all year,” Ferriday coach Rut Horne said.

The Gators played again late Saturday night after a rain delay. Regardless of the outcome, they will play two games today.

If Ferriday wins both games today, they will claim the state title. If they win one, play will continue Monday. Two losses will eliminate the Gators from the tournament.