Natchez American All-Star players and coaches were hoping the first Dixie Youth 7-8 Coach-Pitch State Tournament was going to be a memorable one.

It came within one game of being absolutely unforgettable as the Americans lost to Moss Point in the final championship game in Summitt.

&uot;This group of kids is going to be fun to watch over the next 10 years,&uot; Dossett said. &uot;They really played their hearts out.&uot;

Natchez played in four extra inning games, all going seven innings.

A regular coach-pitch game is six innings.

Natchez, which won 14 of 17 games in tournament play over the last three weeks, fell to Moss Point 11-2 in the first game of the tournament.

&uot;We didn’t hit the ball at all,&uot; Dossett said.

The Americans came back with an 11-9 win over East Central of Pascagoula in the second game.

The Americans faced McComb in an elimination game next, and won that contest 8-7 in seven innings to advance to the championship.

Natchez beat undefeated Moss Point 8-7 in seven innings to force a final game, which the Americans lost 8-7.

Natchez won the District 6-AA Tournament in Brookhaven to earn the right to play in Summitt.

&uot;Our hitting wasn’t as strong in the state tournament as it was at district,&uot; Dossett said. &uot;But our defense was real strong. I think being runner-up in state is a great achievement.&uot;

Dossett said he would like to see Natchez host the state tournament next year. There are actually two coach-pitch state tournaments, one with a pitching machine, and another where the coaches pitch to their own batter.

Natchez uses a pitching machine.

&uot;There were a few things that had to be worked out because this was the first time and everybody doesn’t play the exact same way,&uot; Dossett said. &uot;But I think this tournament is more fun than the other age groups because it’s more fast-paced and all the kids hit the ball.&uot;