Natchez High’s baesball team is out to make its first round Class 5A&160;playoff series a one-game series as the Bulldogs host Gulfport today at 2 p.m. at Liberty Park.

Gulfport defeated Natchez 9-4 in Gulfport Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the best of three series.

A win by Natchez today would force a deciding game Monday in Gulfport.

Bulldog pitcher Brian Kossum gave up only two earned runs as Natchez committed three errors.

Joey Coleman improved to 9-1 for Gulfport Thursday.

&uot;If we can cut down on our errors, we can make this a one-game series,&uot; said Natchez coach Michael Lindsey.

Nolan Coward will start today for Natchez.

&uot;We feel like our No. 2 pitcher faces up well with their No. 2 pitcher,&uot; Lindsey said. &uot;We’re just glad to have it at home. They had a rowdy crowd down there, and hopefully we’ll have a big crowd.&uot;

Natchez scored two runs in the top of the first as Calvin Jackson walked, Nolan Coward singled and Brock Barlow collected an RBI-single.

Kossum hit into a fielder’s choice to score the second run of the inning.

Kossum struck out the first two Gulfport batters, but a single and Bulldog error led to a 3-run home run by John Parker to give the Admirals the lead.

&uot;That gave them the momentum back,&uot; said Natchez High coach Michael Lindsey.

Natchez enters the game with an 8-17 record while Gulfport is 20-14.

&uot;We need to get some early momentum,&uot;&160;Lindsey said. &uot;I&160;think we will be able to put runs on the board.&uot;

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