Wildcats’ historic season comes to a close at state tournament in Murfreesboro
Freshman Kam Welch has been a key player on the 2024 Oak Ridge baseball squad. Welch was 1-for-2 in the final game of the Wildcats’ tournament run. He had a triple and an RBI, and scored. (photo:Oak Rige Sports Media )
The Wildcats won their first district tournament championship since 2002 and finished as the Region 2-4A runners-up before winning their first-ever sectional games in a best-of-three series at Sevier County.
They made their first trip to the state tournament in more than five decades.
Oak Ridge, which last made the state tournament in 1972, won a game in the Midstate. The Wildcats, however, dropped their tournament opener at Oakland, falling to eventual Class 4A state runner-up Nolensville on Tuesday, May 21.
ORHS came up on the short end of a 5-2 decision against the Knights, despite some significant offensive contributions from underclassmen. Freshmen Cy Stephens and Peyton Witter each collected hits against the Knights. Witter drove in a run for the Wildcats.
Parker Free, another freshman, scored a run in the game, while sophomore Kam Welch went 1-for-2.
In their second game in Murfreesboro, the Wildcats avoided elimination when they sent Bradley Central home, winning 8-3.
Mikee Tealey, a sophomore, was the hero against the Bears as he swung a hot bat and posted a dominant start on the mound.
He was 2-for-3 at the plate as he clubbed a home run, recorded four RBIs and scored a pair of runs.
He also started on the mound and threw six innings. He surrendered three runs, four hits and six walks. He struck out four Bradley Central hitters.
Witter doubled and scored, while all-state senior shortstop Caden Black was 1-for-2 with two runs scored.
Alex Franklin came up with a hit and scored a run, and Richie Ferreira was 2-for-3. He had two RBIs and scored a run.
In what proved to be the final game of their 2024 campaign, the Wildcats dropped a 6-3 decision to Arlington.
Welch was 1-for-2. He had a triple an RBI and a run scored. Black had a hit, scored two runs and knocked in another. Witter singled and drove in a run for the Wildcats (28-15-1), which set a school record for wins.