Republic’s bats came alive and Avery Romans pitched a shutout in a 12-0 Central Ozark Conference win at Joplin Thursday.
The Lady Tigers scored four in the first inning and five more in the second to bust the game open. Their second-inning rally included three home runs: by A.J. Fenske, Mara Lakey, and Emi Essary. It was the fourth homer of the year for Fenske and the fifth for Lakey in just six games.
In the first inning, Kaitlyn Ragsdale led off with a bunt single and went to second on an error. Jenna Belcher was hit by a pitch, and Fenske singled home Ragsdale. Romans hit an RBI single to score Belcher. Fenske scored on an RBI groundout by Emma White, and Romans scored on a groundout by Ella Tattershall.
In the top of the second, Belcher scored on an error and Fenske blasted a solo homer. Mara Lakey homered two batters later, and after White walked, Essary hit the ball over the center field fence to make it 9-0.
Three more runs in the fifth inning ended the game earl. The inning started with singles by Jaci West and Ragsdale, and a double by pinch hitter Clare Summers. After two groundouts, Lakey, White, and Essary all singled to give Republic a 12-0 lead.
Romans was solid in the circle, pitching five innings without allowing a run. Joplin managed just three base hits, and Romans struck out four and walked one.
Republic is 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Central Ozark Conference. Joplin falls to 4-15 (1-5).
The Lady Tigers are back in action Saturday, hosting Logan-Rogersville at 11:00 am. Republic Tiger Sports will carry the game live.