Ryker Harrington scored three runs in the leadoff spot and Tyler Cavener drove in a pair, as Republic beat Branson on the road in a Central Ozark Conference game, 6-3. Clayton Crowley nearly went the distance on the mound to earn the win.
Harrington, who’s batted leadoff the past two games for the Tigers, was 2-for-3 with a walk, in addition to his three runs scored. In two games as the leadoff hitter, Harrington has reached base five times in seven plate appearances. He’s 3-for-5 with two walks and four runs scored in those two games.
Jaden Duvall, who slid into the second spot in the batting order, has driven in two runs in those two games, including one against Branson Tuesday.
Republic out-hit Branson 8-3.
Crowley pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned). He struck out four, walked three, and allowed two base hits. Evan Smith came into the game to record the final out.
Republic scored a run in the top of the first when Harrington walked and stole second, then advanced to third on an error. After Duvall walked, Harrington scored by tagging up on a line-out by Cavener.
The Tigers made it 2-0 in the top of the third when Cavener singled home Harrington.
In the fourth, Crowley doubled to lead off and Prevo singled him to third. A single by Jared Hughes scored Prevo, and Crowley came in on an error to give Republic a 4-0 lead. Nick Rose walked and came around to score on a single by Duvall to make it 5-0.
Branson scored a single run in the fifth, but the Tigers got it back in the top of the seventh. Harrington doubled to lead off and advanced to third on a groundout, then came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Hill.
The Pirates scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh before Smith came in to shut the door.
The win is the third in four games for Republic, which improved to 6-7. The Tigers are back in action Thursday against Carthage.