Each team scored a single run in the first, but Republic took control starting in the 3rd inning when Kami Holt singled home two runs. Republic got another run in the 4th when Molly Zinecker singled home Abby Norris. In the 5th, a leadoff homer by Lauren Strobel (her 3rd of the season) made the score 5-1, and Republic picked up another insurance run when Taylor Gold hit an RBI single in the top of the 7th.
Coach Lee Dishman credited his team for coming up with a road win despite a rough start from Rook, who allowed four runs — three earned — on eight hits, walking six and striking out eight.
“We gutted through it. We made some plays, we did some things right,” says Dishman. “We had runners in scoring position six out of seven innings and we didn’t score them. We’ve got to get that two-out hit. Taylor got a big one there in the 7th inning.”
Webb City had dominated recent history in the series. But Tuesday’s win sets up a showdown with Neosho at home on Thursday for what could be a top seed in the district later this season. Neosho has already beaten Webb City this year.
Republic is 12-3.
