The Mississippi team adopted a simple motto for their run to the 2012 Dixie Angels X-Play World Series.

“Believe in yourself, and good things happen.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE GAME

Their motto proved correct, as they beat the host team Troy 13-7 to claim the title. The Mississippi team trailed 7-0 midway through the second inning, but went a charge late. Mississippi scored seven runs in the second, two in the third, and four in the fourth to score the win in the inaugural X-Play World Series.

“It is just simply amazing,” said Mississippi head coach Robert Laughlin. “They have believed in themselves ever since District and State. We have had to come from behind nearly every time and to win it is just awesome.”

Troy, the host team, jumped out to a big lead early, but Coach Shane Calhoun said a variety of factors could have played in to the reversal of fortune.

“Anytime you play a game in the heat, it is going to drain you some,” Calhoun said. “The heat was a little factor, but we were also low on pitching. Our goal was to jump out quick and score runs, and we did that. But it just wasn’t enough.

The win for East Central, from Hurley, Mississippi, was the first fast pitch World Series win for a team from The Magnolia State since 1993. It is also the first Angels World Series win for the state.

Troy struck first, scoring two runs in the first, and five more in the second. Troy used three hits, and took advantage of six walks by Mississippi pitching to gain the large lead.

However, Mississippi leaned on their motto that got them to the World Series to battle back. In their half the inning Mississippi used three hits, two for extra bases, and four walks to tie the game up. Back-to-back singles by Whitley Tanner and Breana Sharp gave the Mississippi the lead, one that they never would relinquish.

Troy was lead at the plate by Brooke Bennett. Bennett went 1-1, with two runs scored and two RBI. Hannah Calhoun, Lydia Harrison, Whitaka Starks and Graci Williams all had hits for Troy. Calhoun, Bennett, Katie Warrick, Ansley Adams, Sarah Calhoun and Niaria Jones all scored runs.

The loss was not the way Troy wanted to end the year, but coach Shane Calhoun couldn’t help but smile a bit after the game.

“They girls have really represented Troy well,” Calhoun said. “They have played great ball, peaked at the right time and had a great year.