A tie for third is Farragut baseball finish; ‘successful year,’ Buckner
MURFREESBORO — While Farragut didn’t win another Division I Class AAA state crown, it kept the “Admirals way” of championship-level baseball on track with its usual area spot at the top, 38 wins and a tie for third place in the state tournament.
“It was a successful year, we won a lot of ballgames,” Admirals skipper Matt Buckner said of the team’s final 38-7 record, which included District 4-AAA league and tourney titles, plus a Region 2-AAA crown and top-five state rank.
Losing twice to Hardin County (7-1 and 3-1) while beating McMinn County 8-0 and Clarksville 9-4 at state, “We fell short in the state tournament; we kind of got cold at the wrong time,” Buckner said. “... We felt like we could have played a little better, but at the end of the day we didn’t get it done.
“But we made it to the final four when it’s all said and done,” he added. “For a lot of schools, that would be a pretty good deal.”
Overall, “We’re proud of what we did,” Buckner said. “It’s not a lost cause by any means.”
Seniors’ success
“Our seniors did a great job of leading our club,” the Ads skipper said.
With many of these seniors helping Farragut win the Class AAA state title in 2019, “They’ve been a big part of our program for four years,” Buckner said. “Guys you could depend on; I’m proud of what they were able to do. They led a team that was young in a lot of areas.
“That’s a group of really good guys, quality dudes,” he added.
Along with junior pitcher Jaxson Pease, named District 4-AAA Pitcher of the Year, the Admirals’ other seven All-District honorees were seniors — led by Most Valuable Player Bryce Burkey, right fielder.
Also honored were seniors Angus Pence, shortstop/pitcher; Hudson Seigler, first baseman; Parker Evans, third baseman; Tanner Kim, left fielder; and pitchers Carson Mitchell and Hunter Merrick (also a designated hitter).
Jake Wurms, senior pitcher, was named to the 4-AAA All-Academic Team. Other senior contributors were Jake Dallas, J.T. Sudderth, Trevor Wade and Frankie Musco.
The future - freshmen
About his large and talented 2021 freshmen class, “A bunch of them contributed a ton,” Buckner said. “I’m proud of what they were able to do.
“It’s not super easy to contribute when you’re freshmen, especially at Farragut High School and playing on a pretty big stage,” he added. “They did everything I could have ever asked for them to do.”
