Wildcats dethrone Admirals for region title
Oak Ridge took care of business quickly in the Region 2-4A baseball tournament late last week.
The Wildcats (32-9-1) needed just one game Saturday morning as they posted an 8-4 victory over host and District 4-4A rival Farragut at John Heatherly Field.
The Admirals won two of three games against Oak Ridge in the recent District 4-4A tournament to claim the district title and earn the right to host the region tournament.
Saturday’s matchup marked the sixth meeting between the teams this season.
Farragut and Oak Ridge split the regular-season series in the Wildcats’ first season in the district.
The Admirals are the four-time defending Class 4A state champions and the only Class 4A baseball state champions in TSSAA history.
Oak Ridge will open a best-of-three state sectional series against Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett today at 6 p.m. at Bobby Hopkins Field.
Farragut, the region runner-up, will travel to Johnson City to face Science Hill.
In the region championship game, Oak Ridge leadoff hitter Warren East went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two runs scored and four RBIs.
Mikee Teasley finished 2-for-3 with a triple and scored twice.
Jaiden Cheaverton went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Joe Webb added two hits and an RBI, while Brooks Poteet singled, scored a run and drove in another.
On the mound, Kam Welch tossed a complete game.
He worked seven innings, allowing four runs — three earned — on nine hits and two walks while striking out five.
Oak Ridge Coach Travis Free knew his team would face a difficult challenge against the Admirals.
“My team is built to be able to play with them, but that team is really, really good,” Free said. “We’re two totally different style teams when you think about it.
“The keys to our team are pitching and defense and athleticism and running. They have power and guys who can hit the ball.”
The Wildcats advanced to the region championship game with a 9-4 victory over Knox Central.
Carson Feagan went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while Webb collected three hits, including a home run. He drove in two runs and scored twice.
Teasley doubled and drove in two runs, while Welch had two hits, including a double. He added two RBIs and scored a run.
Teasley earned the win on the mound after pitching six innings. He allowed three runs — two earned — on two hits and four walks while striking out 11.
