The two teams were slated for the nightcap on Day 1 of the 2015 Demarini/Diamond Academy Classic in West Knoxville, Tennessee for a couple reasons. It's only fitting that the host school, Farragut, would play the final game of the day. Also, it made perfect sense to schedule the 2014 Tennessee state champions to play the Noblesville Millers, the 2014 4A Indiana State Champions.Warmer weather earlier in the south helps Farragut get started with their season a few weeks earlier than a cold state like Indiana can. Prior to last night's game, the Admirals had already played 16 games and the Millers have only just begun their season on Monday with that 13-0 win over New Castle.
Noblesville wasn't going to let their difference in games played be a factor in how they approached this particular match-up. Coach Keever's team has both experience and youth, which should mix pretty well together as the season progresses.
#5 Farragut (TN) 2, 4A #3 Noblesville 0 - (at Farragut HS, West Knoxville, TN)
Millers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 2
Admirals 0 0 2 0 0 0 x - 2 5 1
Thomas Keyes took the mound for Farragut and looked bound and determined from the get-go to get the Admirals to 15-2. After Austin Shirley led off striking out, Michael Carmosino was hit by an inside pitch, but was stranded at second to end the inning.
Cory Conway got the ball on the mound for Noblesville and couldn't have been more ready for this opportunity. The junior southpaw threw just 11 pitches in the bottom of the 1st and pitched with purpose. He struck out two of the three he faced and sandwiched those Ks with a ground out to send Farragut down in order.
The Millers did the same at the plate in the 2nd, with strikeouts from Connor Christman and Alec Parker bordering a Travis Gilliam ground out.
Conway was back at it in the home half of the 2nd, starting off striking out future University of Tennessee player Duncan Pence. Catcher Jake Hagenow hit a high fly ball to left into the night sky that was unfortunately misplayed by mere inches by left fielder Ty Lindstrand, getting Farragut's first runner aboard. Niko Mascia walked to give the hosts a pair of runners on, but that didn't phase Cory.
On the next eight pitches, the much-improved junior struck out Jake Blevins and John Painter, both looking, to end the inning and put an end to Farragut's threat.\
Once again, Noblesville went 1-2-3 in the third with a pair of ground outs and a fly out.
Starting the last of the 3rd fanning sophomore Chandler Chambers, Conway had struck out three in a row. Lead-off hitter Cole Morgan reached via an error by Gilliam at second. Carmelo Venero singled to get Morgan over to third for runners at the corners and now an even bigger threat to score. With North Carolina signee Chase Fullington up, a passed ball got away from Miller catcher Alex Cleverly and Morgan scored from third with ease to get Farragut up 1-0. Then, with one out, Fullington grounded out to second, scoring Venero for a 2-0 lead, which would wind up being the final score.
In the top of the 4th, the Millers had a chance to put themselves on the scoreboard. Michael Carmosino reached on a throwing error by third baseman John Painter. Carmo stole second with an intent on getting his team on the board and putting a dent in the narrow 2-0 lead the Admirals had.
Right in a row, DH Bryce Masterson struck out, Dax McLochlin flied out to right and Christman grounded out to third to end Noblesville's threat, stranding Carmosino at second.
Thomas Keyes went the distance to also throw a complete game for the Admirals. Although it didn't seem like it, Keyes finished the game with a no-hit shutout of Noblesville, striking out 5 and walking none. The only base runner he allowed was Carmosino twice. The junior Miller SS was hit by a pitch and reached on an error. Forcing nine ground outs and five fly/pop outs, the Millers made Keyes and Farragut work out in the field to grind out this 2-0 win over Noblesville.
The final three innings of work, Conway allowed four hits and struck out five. He ended his complete game effort with 6 innings pitched, allowing just 5 hits, 2 runs (both unearned), one walk, while striking out 11 Farragut hitters. He threw 95 pitches, 63 being strikes. Also, he tossed first pitch strikes to 15 of the 26 batters he faced. To say the least, Cory Conway answered the call and was completely dialed in. For his outstanding efforts on the mound, Conway was named the Hamilton County TV Player of the Game.
Noblesville (1-1) has a tough day ahead. They'll head over to Grace Christian Academy, where they'll face Knoxville West at 12:30 and then face the hosts in Grace Christian at 3 p.m.
We will continue to have full coverage of the Millers today on this spring break trip in both games on Hamilton County TV and it will be available at www.hctv5.com for your viewing/listening pleasure!
GO MILLERS!
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