Freshman Rachel Rook pitched a no-hitter in just her fourth career start, and the Republic Lady Tigers ran their season-opening win streak to four games in a 14-0 win over Walnut Grove Wednesday. Rook hit two batters, and those were the only two Walnut Grove players to reach base all night. Rook’s nine strikeouts were a career high.
Rook says she wasn’t sure what to expect early in the day, because of a cold she’s been fighting.
“I was just hoping I didn’t lose my voice so I could cheer on my team. (But) I felt well enough I could do it,” she says.
It didn’t take long in the pitcher’s circle to know she was in for a good night.
“Usually after the first or second inning, I kind of know how it’s going to end up. We got up by quite a few, and I was throwing pretty good,” she says.
At one point, Rook struck out five batters in a row. With the five-inning shutout, her earned run average dropped to 0.38.
Abby Norris and Caty Eby had two hits apiece for Republic, as the Lady Tigers continued their early-season offensive onslaught. Lauren Strobel drew three walks and scored four times. Norris and Danielle Shelton each contributed two RBIs for the Lady Tigers.
The Lady Tigers have outscored their last three opponents by a combined 49-0.
Republic’s JV squad also stayed undefeated with a 3-1 win.
Republic returns to the field at home Thursday against Carthage. The varsity game begins at 5 p.m.
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.