Easton Prevo was 3-for-3 with two runs scored and Jaden Duvall added two base hits to lead Republic past Carl Junction in a Central Ozark Conference win, 7-5. Republic out-hit the Bulldogs 11-8 and overcame five fielding errors to grab the win.
The Tigers scored four runs in the second inning. The rally started with a one-out triple by Prevo. He scored on a passed ball, and Jared Hughes and Nick Rose singled, setting up an RBI double by Jacob Crosswhite to make it 2-0. Rose scored on a sacrifice fly by Ryker Harrington, and Duvall singled home Crosswhite to make it 4-0.
After the Bulldogs scored two runs in the top of the third, Republic got the runs right back. Clayton Crowley walked and Prevo singled with one out. Two passed balls in the next at-bat allowed Crowley to score and Prevo to advance to third. Another passed ball to the next batter allowed Prevo to score.
Carl Junction scored two runs in the fourth and a single run in the fifth to cut the lead to 6-5, but that was as close as they’d get, thanks to a strong relief pitching performance by Crowley. He worked three innings, allowing just one unearned run, giving up five hits and walking no one. He struck out three and earned the save.
Evan Smith was the winning pitcher after relieving Jordan Carter. Smith pitched 1 2/3 innings and allowed two runs (both unearned) on one hit. He struck out one and didn’t walk a batter.
Carter pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on two hits, and walking three.
Everyone in the Republic starting lineup had a base hit except for Tyler Cavener––who has more base hits (18) than any other Tiger so far this season.
Republic improves to 5-7. The Tigers are off until next Tuesday at Branson.
