Defending state champion Farragut used a four-run fifth inning and strong relief pitching from Nicky Delmonico to defeat St. Benedict, 6-5, in the title game of the Scenic City Baseball Classic Saturday night.
Playing at the Chattanooga Lookouts AT&T Field, the victorious Admirals improved to 6-0 and won their fifth Scenic City title in the past 10 years.
Trailing 5-2 in the home half of the fifth, the Admirals, ranked No.4 in the nation, used three hits and two walks plus the beneficiary of an error, passed ball and wild pitch to take the lead, 6-5.
A double by Tyler Noland and singles by Ethan Bennett and Stewart Martens produced the four runs.
Overall offensive leaders were Bennett (2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 Run), Nick Williams (2-for-3, RBI, Run) and Delmonico (1-for-2, 2 Runs).
Nicky did a good job for us at the plate and in relief,’’ said Farragut coach Matt Buckner.
Delmonico shutout St. Benedict the final three innings, allowing two singles and striking out four.
The Admirals ended the game with a flair as Delmonico struck out Matt Haefer and Admiral catcher Bennett gunned down Blake Myers attempting to steak second to end he game.
St. Benedict (4-1) scored three times in the fourth for a 5-2 lead.
Jonathan Holliday (double) and Sam Moll (single) had RBI hits, followed by Bradley Noland’s sacrifice fly scored Holliday.
Moll (1-1) was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored from the ninth spot in the lineup and was the starting pitcher.
He had four strong innings on the mound (eight strikeouts, including striking out the side in the fourth), before the Admirals got to him in the fifth.
“Sam pitched well enough to win, but we made some fielding errors and let them back in the game,’’ said St. Benedict coach Steve Heinz.
Farragut is too good a hitting team to give them extra scoring chances.’’
The Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on three walks and a fielder’s choice RBI by Paul Frierott. The visitors made it 2-0 in the second has a Noland double plated Moll, but a defensive gem relay – David Allen to Delmonico to A.J. Simcox - cut down Noland trying for a triple which ended the inning.
RBI singles by Simcox in the second and Williams in the third evened the score 2-2.
In 4 p.m. games on Saturday, Baylor defeated Ooltewah, 2-0, Science Hill topped Evangelical Christian, 8-0 and Independence edged McCallie, 12-9.
St. Benedict……….110 300 0 – 5-6-1
Farragut……………011 040 x – 6-10-2
Moll, Cox (6) and Hankins; Hess, Delmonico (5) and Bennett
WP – Delmonico; LP – Moll
2B – St. Benedict (Hankins, Holliday); Farragut (Noland, Williams)
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net