Republic’s Landin Sigman slugged a three-run homer in the first inning, but the rest of the game belonged to Webb City. The Cardinals scored eight runs in the fourth inning to pull away for a 15-4 win at Republic in the Lead Off Tournament.
The Tiger bats came alive for the first time in three games, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a dreadful defensive performance. Republic committed 11 errors. Only four of Webb City’s 15 runs were earned.
Josh Gentry started on the mound for Republic, allowing four earned runs on five hits, striking out three and walking one in 3 1/3 innings. Four more unearned runs scored with Gentry on the mound. He suffered the loss.
Tyler Mackey followed Gentry, but the Tiger defense was unable to record an out behind him, even though he gave up no base hits and only one walk.
Blake Messier pitched two innings, allowing four runs — none of them earned. He walked two and didn’t record a strikeout. Chaz Bowers and Austin Atkins also pitched briefly in relief for the Tigers.
Republic had eight base hits, including two each by Austin Atkins, Regan Butterworth, and Ryan Cape. Atkins also had an RBI, in addition to the three runs driven in by Sigman on his 1st-inning homer.
Republic falls to 0-3, with previous losses to Carl Junction and Branson in the Lead Off Tournament. The Tigers host Rogersville Tuesday.
