Two wins bookend rough week for Tiger baseball

Republic won its first and last games of a six-game week, with four straight losses stuck in the middle. The Tigers beat Willard and Liberty, suffering losses to Kennett, Liberty North, Lee's Summit North, and Webb City.

Republic 6, Willard 5
In a home game March 17, Republic came from behind three times to beat Willard 6-5 in eight innings. Republic trailed 2-0 after a half inning and tied the score in the bottom of the first. Willard grabbed a 4-2 lead in the sixth, but Republic tied it in the bottom of the seventh. Willard took another lead with a single run in the eighth, but Garrett Lester lined a bases-loaded single over the center fielder's head to score two runs and give Republic the victory. Myles Lozano worked 4 2/3 innings in relief to get the win.

Kennett 6, Republic 2
Republic had more fielding errors than base hits in a 6-2 loss to Kennett (Class 4, No. 3). Republic scored its only two runs in the third inning when Wyatt Woods singled, Andrew Schroeder doubled, and Gunner Ellison drove them both home. Gavyn Beckner pitched well, but suffered the loss.

Liberty North 5, Republic 0
Two pitchers for defending Class 6 state champion Liberty North shut down Republic's lineup in a 5-0 win that was spread out over two days. The game started at U.S. Ballpark in Ozark, but it was suspended because of lightning and rain in the bottom of the fifth inning with Liberty North leading 4-0. The teams completed their game the next day at Springfield Parkview after Republic's game against Lee's Summit North.

Lee's Summit North 9, Republic 8
Republic seemed to have things under control against Lee's Summit North Friday afternoon, but trailing 8-5, the Broncos scored two runs in the sixth and two runs in the seventh to come from behind and win. Republic out-hit Lee's Summit North 13-8, but committed three errors and allowed four unearned runs that contributed to the loss. Gunner Ellison reached base five times, collecting two hits and three walks. Connor Sandridge homered for Republic.

Webb City 13, Republic 7
Republic scored four runs in the top of the first inning, only to watch Webb City answer with five runs of its own. The Tigers took the lead in the third, 6-5, but Webb City scored three in the bottom half and never trailed again. Garrett Lester and Trace Harrington each had three hits in a losing cause.

Republic 12, Liberty 8
Gunner Ellison continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with three RBI’s and two runs scored to lead Republic past Liberty. Lester and Harrington also collected two base hits apiece. Ellison picked up the win on the mound despite allowing eight runs — seven earned — in five innings.

Republic finished the week with a 5-5 record overall.