Republic scored in every inning, including an eight-run fourth, blowing out Hillcrest 14-2 in a five-inning game in Springfield Tuesday. Ryker Harrington hit his second home run in as many games, and starting pitcher Brady Usgaard allowed just one earned run in four innings for the Tigers.
Republic scored its 14 runs on nine base hits. The Tigers were aided by six walks, a hit batter, a dropped third strike, and four Hillcrest errors. Republic took the lead in the top of the first inning when Vincent Pyeatt and Gavyn Beckner both singled to start the inning and Pyeatt scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Hill.
A rocky start by Usgaard allowed Hillcrest to score its only two runs of the game in the bottom of the first. Usgaard allowed the first four batters to reach base and gave up both runs before retiring three straight hitters to get out of trouble.
Watch the game broadcast here:
It didn’t take long for the Tigers to retake the lead in the top of the second. With two outs, Richard Potter doubled. He went to third on a passed ball, and on the same pitch, batter Gavin Walker swung and missed, but advanced to first base safely to keep the inning alive. Walker stole second and Pyeatt singled to drive in both runners, making the score 3-2. Pyeatt stole second and scored on an error to give Republic a 4-2 lead.
In the third inning, Hill doubled to lead off and scored on a single by Jared Hughes, making it 5-2.
Republic blew the game open in the fifth inning when seven straight batters reached base. Walker walked and stole second, then came in to score on two wild pitches. Beckner walked with one out, and Ryker Harrington ripped a line drive home run over the fence in right field. Hill reached base again when he was hit by a pitch, Hughes singled, Bryce Messier walked, and Ace McWatters reached on an error by the right fielder. Potter, Walker, and Pyeatt all walked, and by the time the inning was over, Republic had a 13-2 lead.
Republic scored its last run in the fifth inning, when Tyler Burks walked, stole second base, and scored when Ryan Epperson reached base on an error by the third baseman.
Usgaard pitched four innings, allowing two runs – one earned – and just two base hits. He walked two and struck out five. Cole Iles pitched a scoreless inning in relief, setting down Hillcrest 1-2-3 to end the game.
Pyeatt and Hughes each had two hits for the Tigers. Pyeatt, Beckner, Hill, Potter, and Walker each scored two runs.
Republic improves to 1-2. The Tigers will play their first home game Thursday against Rogersville. Republic Tiger Sports will cover the game live.
