The Republic Lady Tigers softball team handed coach Mike Thorne his 300th career win Tuesday, with a season-opening 7-0 victory over Cassville.
Sophomore Stephanie Eckhoff pitched a shutout in her first career start. She allowed just five hits in seven innings, striking out two and walking one. Eckhoff added three hits to help power the Lady Tigers offense.
Amanda Snider had a triple, a double and a walk, and scored three runs for Republic. Bre Hemphill added two doubles and a walk; and Payton Appleberry and Carlie Campbell also had two hits apiece for the Lady Tigers.
Republic jumped on top 1-0 in the 1st, when Lakin Ramsey singled home Eckhoff. They added three more in the 2nd inning and two runs in the third. They tacked on a final run in the bottom of the fifth to account for the final margin.
Thorne’s career record stands at 300-133.
Listen below to hear his postgame interview with me and Rodger Wheeler of the Republic Monitor. And click here to see the photoset from tonight.
