Coates threw a no-hitter, striking out 12 and walking only one batter in seven innings, as Republic knocked off Joplin 2-0 to advance to the district championship game. Going back to last season, Coates has pitched 14 career post-season innings and has not allowed a run.
The Tigers got all the scoring they needed in the bottom of the first inning. Jake Smith singled with two outs and scored on a double by Regan Butterworth to give Republic a 1-0 lead.
Republic got an insurance run in the bottom of the second. Coates led off with a double and McQuerter laid down a bunt single to advance courtesy runner Maverick Lopez to third base. Lopez then scored on an error by the pitcher to make it 2-0.
Meanwhile, Coates was in command all night. He threw 96 pitches — 65 of them strikes. The only runner to reach base was Chris Lenardi, who drew a two-out walk in the fourth inning.
Republic improves to 13-9. The Tigers advance to the district championship game, where they’ll face Webb City (20-6). The Cardinals defeated Neosho 3-0 in their district semifinal.
