Willard scored two runs in the top of the first, another in the top of the second, and held on for a 4-1 win at Republic Tuesday. Willard, ranked #3 in Class 5, out-hit Republic 6-3 and too advantage of three Republic errors in the win.
Republic starter Jordan Carter retired the first two hitters before a two-out rally gave Willard the lead. A double, a walk, and a passed ball put runners on second and third, and an RBI single made the score 2-0 Willard.
Willard added a run in the top of the second, taking advantage of a walk, a Republic error, and a passed ball to stretch the lead to 3-0.
Republic scored its only run in the bottom of the fourth. Tyler Cavener singled and Kyle Hill and Clayton Crowley walked, loading the bases with one out. Cavener scored on a sacrifice fly to make the score 3-1 before Jared Hughes fouled out to end the inning.
Willard got the run right back in the top of the fifth, scoring with the aid of a Republic error and a balk by Carter.
Republic managed just three base hits––two by Cavener and one by Duvall.
Carter pitched six innings, allowing four runs––one earned––on five hits. He struck out five and walked three.
The loss drops Republic to 8-9. The Tigers play Joplin at home Thursday.