Published: July 14, 2008 09:08 am      

The Road to Williamsport

By Chuck Gordon

Special to The Star

The Meridian 11-12-year-old all-stars took the field for the district championship Saturday morning, and the only thing hotter than the Natchez sun was the bat of Trey Holder.

The Meridian slugger led the way by going 4-for-4 with three home runs and a double as Meridian pounded the Hattiesburg All-Stars 17-2.

Meridian came out swinging in the first inning and scored a quick six runs. Gage Hagan and Holder got things going with a pair of home runs.

Blake Anderson singled, J'Marius Smith walked and Colton McKeithen followed with a single which scored Anderson. Devin Stokely followed with a two-RBI triple and then scored on a Will Whitehead single.

In the second inning, Holder hit his second home run in as many innings and McKeithen, Stokely and Whitehead followed with singles.

Holder hit his third long ball of the day in the third and the rout was on.

In the fourth inning, Steven Todd, Drew Boleware and Smith all had singles and Holder's attempt at his fourth home run ended with a double.

Hagan was the starting pitcher while Will Stokes and McKeithen came on in relief. If you thought all these guys could do was hit, think again. These three combined for the team's second no-hitter of the tournament.

In earlier play, the 11-12-year-old all-stars defeated Natchez behind Stokely's 12 strikeouts in four innings and relief work by Stokes. The two combined for the team's second no-hitter in three games.

Holder and Anderson each homered at the plate.

In the first meeting against Hattiesburg, Meridian won 22-1 behind the pitching of Anderson and Smith. The offense was provided by Holder and Anderson, who both hit grand slams in the second inning.

Hattiesburg coach Rick Hatten said "This may be the best lineup from top to bottom I've ever seen." After watching them play, I think I might agree.

Coach Kary Whitehead of Meridian was very pleased with the team's performance but realizes that the competition will only get better and the team has room for improvement defensively.

The team will now head to Biloxi to play for the state title and a chance to represent Mississippi in the Southwest Regional in Waco, Texas.

Don't mean to jinx you buys, but I say go ahead and make your reservations. Good job, men. Now go show 'em what Meridian baseball is all about.

The Meridian 11-12-year-old all-stars are made up of Hagan, Anderson, Smith, McKeithen, Stokely, Whitehead, Holder, Todd, Boleware, Stokes, Corey Davis and B.J. Miller.



Meridian 9/10s also

roll in Natchez ...



The Meridian 9-10-year-old all-stars dominated in the Little League district tournament this week in Natchez.

Meridian started out with a bang by defeating Hattiesburg 17-5 on Thursday. Alex Day led the way on the mound while Deangelo Anderson provided the offense.

Anderson was 4-for-4 at the plate with a triple, double and two singles. Day helped his own cause by going 2-for-2 with a home run and a single. Dylan Miller added two hits and Reid Green laid off some bad pitches and walked three times while scoring twice.

In Game 2, Meridian continued with stellar play and handed Natchez a 15-4 defeat. Anderson, Colby Tyree and Miller each had two hits at the plate while Tyree turned in a complete-game performance on the mound.

On Saturday, Meridian faced Natchez in the championship game and this time it ended 11-5, Meridian.

Day got the win and helped himself at the plate with three hits. Miller also added three hits while Tyree and Tyler Hinson each had two.

This team is well-balanced and well-coached. Good job by coaches Jimmy Files and Thomas Tyree. The team will join the 11-12-year-old group in Biloxi later this week to fight for the Little League Mississippi title. I like their chances as well.