From staff reports

The Vicksburg Sting, a 10-year-old USSSA Class AA team, beat the Columbus Hammers 15-8 Thursday to advance to the third round of the USSSA state tournament in Madison. The Sting got doubles from Garrett Hutchins, Brandon Teller and Camden Kurtz.

Venom 4, Batesville 3

Left-handed pitcher Taft Nesmith only gave up one run on one hit with four strikeouts in four innings of work as the Venom won their opener in the 11-year-old USSSA state tournament.  Taft also scored the winning run after leading off the bottom of the fifth inning with a triple. Will Pierce singled to drive in the run.

Sting 10, Hernando 6

The Sting beat the Hernando Heat to win their opener in Madison. Rett Verhine, Kurtz and Brice Wood had two hits each.

Red Sox 10, O. Branch 2

The Vicksburg Red Sox won their first game of the USSSA State Tournament in Tupelo, 10-2 over the Olive Branch Tigers. Jake Smith was the winning pitcher and Derek Dolan had a home run for the Red Sox.