Republic beat Marshfield 5-2 at home to end the regular season Thursday, but they did more than add another digit to the win column in their record. The Tigers improved their record to 13-11, finishing the regular season above .500 for the first time in four years.
Jordan Carter scattered eight hits over seven innings in a complete-game win. He struck out five and walked one.
Republic only had five base hits, but made the most of them, along with four walks. The Tigers grabbed an early lead with a four-spot in the second inning. Easton Prevo walked and Jacob Crosswhite singled. With two outs, Nick Rose walked to load the bases and Carson Neff walked to force home a run. Ryker Harrington followed that up with a three-run double, but he was thrown out at third base to end the inning.
Marshfield cut the lead in half in the top of the fourth with three consecutive singles, but Republic got a run back in the bottom half of the inning. Easton Prevo reached on an error and scored on an infield single by Neff, making the score 5-2.
Republic begins district play this weekend in Joplin. The Tigers are the #5 seed and will play #4 Neosho Saturday at 2 pm.
