Farragut rallies past Toppers to take Game 1 of 4A sectional

JOHNSON CITY — There was a state championship-like atmosphere on Wednesday night at TVA Credit Union Ballpark, where four-time defending state champion Farragut rallied past 2021 state champion Science Hill for a 5-4 victory in the opening game of the Class 4A sectional. Game two of the best-of-three series is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday. Farragut (31-9) scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to take the 5-4 lead after the first two batters of the inning were retired in order. Zain Kureshi-Smith lined an opposite-field single to right field, and Mason Shelton followed with an RBI double to right-center field. Ensuing batter Cole Creasman, who'd homered in his previous at-bat, was intentionally walked, and starting pitcher Hagan Gibson was relieved by Cole ReSue. On ReSue's first pitch, Caleb Van Lant delivered the game-winning hit by lining an opposite-field, two-run triple down the first base line. Science Hill (29-15) was retired in order in the seventh. Darren Hill led off the inning with fly-ball to center field that must've traveled some 370 feet, but Kuresha-Smith made a difficult catch look relatively easy. "I'm proud of the way we played," Science Hill coach Ryan Edwards said. "At the end of the day, we lost a 5-4 game to a quality opponent." Science Hill took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Haydon Smelser drew a one-out walk, advanced to second base on ensuing batter Nate Stoots' walk, took third on a wild pitch and scored on Darren Hill's fielder's choice. Farragut tied it with a run in the second, but Science Hill manufactured two more in the home half of the frame – all after the first two batters of the inning were retired in order. Speedy center fielder Owen Lewis reached on an infield single – a chopper to third base. Lewis stole second and scored from second on a wild pitch when Aiden Vermillion reached first while striking out on a half-swing. Carter McKinney and Smelser followed with respective singles, the latter of which scored another run. Creasman's long home run to right field with two outs in the fourth got the Admirals within 3-2, but Science Hill answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth thanks to Lewis' speed. Lewis drew a leadoff walk, stole second – improving to 23-for-23 on the season – and scored on Smelser's two-out, line-drive single to center field. Gibson allowed seven hits, two walks (one intentional) and five runs while striking out five in 5 2/3 innings. ReSue allowed one hit and no walks while striking out three in 1 1/3 innings. Smelser went 2-for-2 with a run, an RBI and two walks. McKinney was 2-for-4. Max Brian made an exceptional catch on the first pitch of the game, getting a good jump to deny Jake Harris' line-drive from finding the turf. Lewis made a difficult catch look easy in deep right-center field to retire Shelton in the fourth. Kureshi-Smith was 2-for-3 with two runs. Shelton was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Aidan Flagg was 2-for-4 and took the mound to record the final out of the game. Cash Schroeder allowed four runs in five innings for the Admirals. He gave up five hits and four walks while striking out five. Reliever Joey Ray pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Science Hill players exited their locker room after the game looking more frustrated than dejected. Edwards said its imperative that his players turn the page if they are to have a chance on Thursday. "That's what we talked about – when they walked out of that locker room they have to move on to the next game," Edwards said. "Just leave it all in this locker room and let's come back tomorrow (with energy). … I'm proud of the way we put pressure on 'em all night. I'm proud of the way Gibby and ReSue both pitched. I'm proud of their effort. "In our offensive plate appearances, I thought we were outstanding. I thought our defense played great."