Tuggles, Young step up, but Lady Ads fall late versus Powell

Farragut “Tuggled” its way to three runs against powerful Powell — a pair of solo home runs from Kelsie Tuggle, a Lincoln Memorial University signee, and a first-inning two-out RBI single from little sister, Katie Tuggle.

But it wasn’t enough, as the defending Class AAA state runner-up Lady Panthers — despite reloading in 2018 at several positions — improved to 17-2 with a 5-3 victory at FHS’s Bellamy Field Monday evening, April 2.

“Two good high school teams playing a good, tough high school ballgame,” FHS head coach David Moore said.

The Lady Admirals fell to 9-4 overall while holding a 5-1 District 4-AAA record through Monday.

Breaking open a 2-2 tie with three runs in the top of the seventh inning by using a double, three singles and a walk, “Powell took advantage of their opportunities,” Moore said.

“We had some opportunities earlier in the game and didn’t.”

Leading 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Farragut got three consecutive one-out singles from Devon Weller, Kelsie Tuggle and Cameron Young to load the bases.

But junior Allison Farr, Lady Panthers staff ace, shut the door with a strikeout before inducing a flyout to end the threat.

Farr went the distance while allowing three earned runs and nine hits.

As for Farr’s pitches that Kelsie Tuggle ripped for her home runs, “They were both curveballs and a little bit of a rise, but they did not break as much as she had hoped,” said Kelsie, who ended the game with five home runs on the season. “She’s swinging the bat really well right now,” Moore said.

Andrea Sarhatt scored in the first inning on Katie Tuggle’s single, having singled before stealing second base.

“Andrea’s getting on base, Devon’s been doing a good job getting on,” Moore said.

Young started on the mound for Farragut and went five innings before giving way to Lakyn Moore, the Lady Ads staff ace who took the loss in relief. “Cameron pitched quite a ballgame. I’m proud of her,” coach Moore said.

Bailey Myers also singled for Farragut.