MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Bradley Central's impressive run came to an end Wednesday with a second straight disappointing loss in the TSSAA State Championships.
Unlike the night before when the Bears were no-hit in the Elite Eight opener, they got some hits and drew eight free passes but left 10 "ducks on the pond" in an 8-3 loss to Oak Ridge.
“”Hated to see the season end for my boys. We faced another really good pitcher and came up short in the end,” lamented veteran “Papa Bear” Adams as his state-ranked squad finished the season with 28-10 record after 0-5 start.
Bradley had runners on base in all but one inning, including leaving two on twice and and the bases-loaded once.
“We had some opportunities but not man. Tough deal all around in the bottom of the bracket after Day 1, but I’ve always thought that if you can end your season in the ‘Boro it a good season,” said the sophomore shortstop on the Bears state championship team 30 years ago (1994).
“I’m so proud of my boys and the determination throughout the year. These guys fought hard this year to win the district (regular season and tournament) and the region, plus bounced back from a game down to take the best-of-3 Sectional series (over Riverdale) just to get here.
“We lose a lot of great guys (six college signees) off this squad. Guys that have meant a lot to Bear baseball. I hate this for them most of all. We were hoping to give them a better ending to their high school careers,” Coach Adams continued.
“The example they’ve made of what it takes for the boys coming next year and beyond. They made a lasting impression on our program.
“None of this would be possible without our coaching staff, the time and energy they pour into these boys. I can’t say enough about Tanner (Thompson), Timmy (Lynn), Ray (Stephens) and Logan (Williams).
“Our players are blessed with some great baseball minds and it shows,” he concluded. “Our support staff from administrations and parents has been unmatched and we are thankful. Looking forward to seasons to come!”
Bradley started the game strong as Lee signee Alex Brew drew a walk before junior Jaxon Humble and UTC football signee Luke Keith were plunked to jam the sacks. However, a RBI ground out by Cleveland State signee Hank Adams that Oak Ridge turned into a double play, drove in the only run.
The Wildcats (28-14-1) with a pair of hits and a walk in the bottom of the first to plate a pair of runs.
The Bears evened things up in the top of the second when Northwestern football signee Tito Williams stroked a two-out single and swiped second before Brew brought him home on a double.
After starting off struggling a little bit on the mound in the first two frames, Oak Ridge hurler Mikey Teasley helped his own cause with a big three-run blast with two out in the bottom of the second for a lead the Wildcats never relinquished.
Bradley was able to pick up another solo run when Williams opened the top fo the fourth with his second hit of the day and then swiped second and third. He scored a moment later on a wild pitch.
Oak Ridge tacked on three more scores in the bottom of the fifth with a hit batsman, a double, a pair of fielder’s choice miscues, an infield hit and a bases-loaded walk, all worked around a trio of strikeouts.
Teasley went six innings for the Wildcats, striking out six, walking a half dozen, plunking a pair and scattering four hits and three earned runs, as well as going 2-for-3 at the dish and driving in four runs.
In his final prep game, Brew got on base all four times with a two-bagger and a trio of walks, plus plated a teammate and scored.
Williams capped his high school career going 2-for-3 with a trio of stolen bases and two runs scored.
Cleveland State signee Brody Casteel was the third Bear pitcher to take the bump, firing 1.2 inning, striking out four.
Game Summary
TSSAA Class 4A Baseball Championships
Bradley Central 110 100 0 — 3 5 2
Oak Ridge 230 030 x — 8 7 1
Teasley, Sharp (7) and Free;Wilds, Alomar (3)m Casteel (5) and Stott.
WP: Mikey Teasley. LP: Ethan Wilds. Records: Bradley Central 28-10; Oak Ridge 28-14-1.
(Contact Joe Cannon at joe.cannon@clevelandbanner.com)