From the first pitch Friday Concordia’s opening game of the 11-year-old Dixie Youth State Tournament didn’t go quite as planned.

Glenn Whittington’s squad fell behind early and never could recover, ultimately falling to Alexandria, 10-0, in five innings.

“They came out here and weren’t ready to play ball,” Whittington said. “As soon as they get down, they are dropping their heads. They are beating themselves.”

Alexandria scored two runs in the first inning and after a  30-minute rain delay added six more in the second for a strong lead. It totaled 11 hits and was led by Maddox Shelton batting 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Concordia struggled on offense, however, registering just one hit on the night.

Justin Descant earned the win for Alexandria, pitching 1.2 innings with four strikeouts.

“They were throwing a lot of strikes and a lot of good pitches,” Whittington said. “We just laid into the swing. I wanted them to hit the ball.”

In the fifth inning, Juvali Singleton had a base hit to center field and Tyron Singleton was walked for Concordia, but both were left on base in its best chance to score.

Concordia left a total of four on base during the game.

“They have to start watching the ball and become a little faster with the swings,” Whittington said.

Whittington said despite trailing from the beginning, he was pleased with how his team protected the ball.

“The infield looked good,” he said. “The defense played fairly well, but it could have been a lot better.”

Concordia will play again today at noon and 4 p.m., and Whittington hopes his team can bounce after Friday’s mishaps.

“They didn’t play as a team,” he said. “Hopefully its better (today). Each one of them is going home and thinking about what they could have done better. They have to keep their heads up.”