Nixa’s Isaac Mitchell struck out 11 batters in five innings of work, and the Eagles got a few timely hits to capture an 8-2 win over Republic in the season opener for both teams. Each team managed just three base hits, but Nixa took advantage of walks and hit batters to score its eight runs.
“We just didn’t do a very good job when we got some scoring opportunities of putting the ball in play, and they did, and that was kind of the difference in the game,” said coach Curt Plotner.
The Eagles scored two runs in the bottom of the second with a two-out rally that started when Republic starting pitcher Vincent Pyeatt walked Ryan Retone, then hit John Gholson and Keith Peipmeier to load the bases. Nixa’s Jerris Thornton, hitting in the nine-spot in the lineup, collected the Eagles’ first base hit and put his team up 2-0.
Republic scored its first run in the fourth inning, but let a potential big inning slip away. Adam Brown led off with an infield single and Ryker Harrington ripped a double to right field that gave the Tigers runners at second and third with nobody out. Brown scored and Harrington moved up on a passed ball, but Mitchell, who has committed to the University of Arkansas, struck out three straight batters to work out of trouble and preserve Nixa’s 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the inning, Nixa scored two more runs in a near-replay of its first scoring rally. Retone walked and Gholson was hit by a pitch for the second time. After Peipmeier bunted the runners over, Republic’s infield came into the edge of the grass to cut off a run at home plate. Pyeatt coaxed a ground ball to second base, but Retone scored ahead of the throw by Brady Usgaard. Gholson scored next on a fielder’s choice to make the score 4-1.
Nixa added two more runs in the fifth inning off Republic reliever Cole Iles, who hit Jaret Nelson and walked Sam Russo to open the frame. After a sacrifice moved the runners up, Nelson tagged up and scored on a foul-out down the third base line. Gavyn Beckner made a good play to catch the ball going away from the plate, but his throw home was too late to catch Nelson. A single by Gholson scored Russo, and Nixa led 6-1.
Republic’s final run came in the top of the sixth, after Hardy Dugan had relieved Mitchell for Nixa. Pyeatt led off with a walk and moved to second on a passed ball. After Brown and Harrington struck out, Kyle Hill lined the ball into left field for an RBI single. The ball skipped by the left fielder and Hill ended up at third base, but Hughes struck out to end the inning.
Nixa tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles by Quinn Gundelfinger and Sam Russo to account for the final 8-2 score.
Despite the lopsided final, coach Curt Plotner said he believes his team can build off their opening performance.
“I told the guys I don’t think they’re 8-to-2 better than us,” he said. “We’ve just got to clean up some things offensively, but going to be one of the top teams in the area. I’m glad we get to see them again, for sure.”
Mitchell picked up the win, working five innings and allowing one run on two hits. He struck out 11 and walked two. Pyeatt took the loss. He pitched four innings, allowing four runs on one hit, two walks, and three hit batters. He struck out four. Cole Iles pitched two innings, allowing four runs on four hits, hitting a batter, walking one, and striking out two.
Nixa is 1-0. Republic is 0-1. The Tigers travel to Webb City for a game Monday.