Hailey Johnson led off the bottom of the 1st inning with a home run, and Republic never looked back, cruising to a 7-3 win over Branson at Miller Park. Johnson drove in three, and Rachael Michaelis and Amanda Davis each knocked in two runs for the Tigers.
Republic jumped on top 1-0 on the home run by Johnson, but Branson answered with a run of its own in the top of the second, on a wild pitch by Johnson.
Republic took the lead again, 4-1, with three more runs in the bottom of the second, including a two-run double by Davis. Branson scored two more in the top of the third, but never got closer than that.
Johnson struck out eight on the mound for the Lady Tigers, who improved to 10-3.
Republic will be back on its home field Thursday evening against Carthage.