Rachel Rook struck out 16 batters as the Republic Lady Tigers won their 16th game of the season, 3-2 over Springfield Kickapoo Friday afternoon.
After hitting two batters early in the game, Rook settled down. She allowed only three base hits and didn’t walk a batter. Her only serious mistake came in the top of the 7th inning, when she allowed Kickapoo’s Emily Admire to slug a two-out, two-run home run that tied the game 2-2.
Friday marked the second day in a row that the Lady Tigers’ opponent had tied the game on their last opportunity–only to have Republic finish them off later. For Kickapoo Friday, the end came quickly, in the bottom of the 7th. Lauren Strobel doubled to left field, and when Caty Eby laid down a bunt, a Kickapoo error allowed Strobel to score the game-winner.
Kami Holt and Caty Eby each had two hits and an RBI to lead the Lady Tigers. Allie McAtee was 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. Strobel was 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.
Republic improves to 16-1 this season. The Lady Tigers host Webb City next Tuesday at 5 pm in a return to Central Ozark Conference play.
