The Vicksburg Blazers were a much different team Saturday as the USFA State Tournament began bracket play. A gametying run was thrown out at the plate and the Blazers fell to the Mississippi Shockers 2-1.

The loss dropped the Blazers into a Saturday night elimination game against the Mississippi Motion, which they lost 12-0.

Blazers coach Billy Thornton was glad to see his team play well in their tournament opener but a bit miffed about the call that went against them in the bottom of the fifth inning.

“It was anybody’s game right to the end,” Thornton said. “We played much better today.”

The game’s key sequence came when Paige Bowser drew a one-out walk against Shockers pitcher Alex Binge. After a strikeout and a walk, Lindsey Barfield hit a single into right center. It looked good enough to score Bowser, who headed home but was called out, even though it appeared there was no tag made.

“I thought she was safe, but that’s my opinion,” Thornton said.