The Lunenburg County Machine Pitch All-Stars went 1-2 in the Dixie Youth State Instructional All-Star Tournament over the weekend in Appomattox.

The District 5 runners-up were eliminated from the state tourney on Sunday after a 12-11 loss to the District 5 champion Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association All-Stars.

Despite the loss, Lunenburg Manager Derrick Hall was pleased with his players’ performance as they jumped out to a big early lead.

“We had a few calls that went against us, and (PEFYA’s) bats came alive,” Hall said. “They scored some runs, made a big comeback, but we hung in there and ended up just losing by one. Just couldn’t quite pull it out right there at the end.”

Leadoff hitter Rusty Hooton had three hits, scored two runs and played well at second base for Lunenburg.

No. 2 hitter Ethan Blowers registered two hits, two runs batted in, two runs scored and accounted for eight outs on defense at shortstop.

On Saturday, Lunenburg defeated the Vinton All-Stars 18-8 in five innings.

“That was probably the best hitting game we had in the two tournaments combined,” Hall said, referring to the district and state tourneys.

Aaron Ball went 4-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored, while Logan King went 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

On Friday, Lunenburg fell 18-1 to the Appomattox All-Stars.

“That Appomattox team is basically the cream of the crop in the state of Virginia,” Hall said, expecting it to win the state title.

Hall’s run as manager of the Lunenburg boys is one that made a lasting impact on him.

“It was a really great group of kids,” he said. “I’ll never forget them. That’s for sure.”