NATCHEZ — Both Adams County Christian School and Trinity Episcopal came into Tuesday night’s softball match-up at 0-1 in District 5-AA.

The Lady Rebels and Lady Saints were both hoping to win bragging rights and capture their first district win of the season.

For two innings the teams battled to a 3-3 tie, but in the bottom of the third Trinity jumped in front with six runs en route to a 9-3 win over ACCS.

“It was a big game at home against a district opponent and a cross-town rival,” Trinity coach Chris Hutchins said. “We had good crowd support, and we played well. District games are always big, and we want to win on our home field.”

Trinity’s six-run third inning was the difference in the game, and the key was the Lady Saints’ patience at the plate. Trinity drew five walks in the inning to go along with two ACCS errors and two singles by Mallory Lancaster to take the commanding lead.

“We wanted to be patient early in the count,” Hutchins said.

ACCS pitchers Abby Givens and Brooke Runnels combined to walk 12 batters in the game. Head coach Forrest Foster said his young pitching staff has had trouble with allowing free passes all season.

“It’s hard to overcome (12) walks,” Foster said. “It’s been our Achilles’ heel all year. We’re young pitching-wise, and we knew that coming into the year. But the only way to get better is for them to keep pitching.”

Trinity took a 1-0 lead after the first inning by scoring once on four walks.

ACCS answered in the top of the second with three runs on three singles by Sage Atkins, Hailey Wroten and Givens and two Trinity errors.

The Lady Saints tied the game in the bottom of the second with two runs on three walks and one ACCS error.

“(Trinity) is a scrappy team, and they run the bases well,” Foster said. “Every bad break possible tonight we had it.”

Trinity pitcher Katie Steele got the win by allowing five hits, two walks and the three ACCS runs. She struck out five Lady Rebels.

Lancaster led the Lady Saints on offense with her two singles. Tali Beard scored three times for Trinity.

The Lady Rebels’ five hits were shared among five players.

The loss drops ACCS to 4-8 on the season and 0-2 in the district.

“We just have to keep scrapping,” Foster said.

Trinity notched its first district win to pull to 1-1 in 5-AA and 4-5 overall.

“(This win) gives us confidence by winning a district game,” Hutchins said. “We know we can compete, and expect to play well from here on out.”

Both teams will play again Aug. 22.