Republic moved above the .500 mark at the latest point in the season since 2015, beating Hillcrest 7-3 Friday. Clayton Crowley had two hits, including a two-run triple; and Kyle Hill added two hits and two runs scored for the Tigers, who improved to 10-9.
Tyler Cavener started on the mound and picked up the win. He worked 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (none earned) on three hits. He struck out five and walked six. Nick Rose finished the game in relief, working 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed three hits, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out four.
Republic’s 10th win of the season pushes them past their win total all last season, when they won nine. The last time Republic had more wins than losses this late in the season was four years ago, when they finished with a 13-10 record.
In addition to Crowley and Hill, Jared Hughes had a big game at the plate, driving in two runs with a double. He also reached on a walk. Cavener was 1-for-4 with two runs scored.