Neosho’s Bryce Slavens pitched seven strong innings to shut down Republic and earn a 4-2 win for the Wildcats in Neosho Tuesday night. Slavens allowed single runs in the 1st and 6th innings, and pitched out of trouble the rest of the night.
The Tigers managed only five base hits off of Slavens — two of them by Regan Butterworth. Republic scored its run in the 1st inning when Butterworth singled home Austin Atkins. The Tigers scored again in the 6th drew a walk and came around to score on a Neosho error.
Jansen McQuerter took the loss on the hill for Republic. He allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings of work, striking out four but walking six batters. Cameron Beck allowed a single run in relief. Chandler Coates and Tyler Mackey each pitched an inning without giving up a run.
It was the fourth loss in a row for Republic, but the Tigers have been outscored by only eight runs in those four games. They’ll try to turn around the ship when they travel to Webb City Thursday.
