Republic banged out 10 hits and got a strong pitching performance from Jansen McQuerter to hold off Branson 6-4 in a Central Ozark Conference win on the road Thursday night.
McQuerter contributed two hits to the offense, in addition to picking up the win. The Tigers led 4-2 after five innings, then added single insurance runs in the 6th and 7th to extend the lead to 6-2.
It turns out they needed them. Branson scored two runs in the bottom of the 7th before Republic wriggled out of trouble. Gage Morris turned in one of the biggest plays of the game, throwing out the potential tying run on a stolen base attempt at 2nd base to help snuff out the final rally.
The win helps Republic rebound from a tough 3-2 loss to Ozark earlier in the week. The Tigers are now 6-6 overall. They play at home against Carthage next Tuesday.
