Freshman Caide White picked up the win in his first career start, and the Tigers used a nine-run third inning to pull away from Parkview in a 13-3, five-inning win.
White, who has dominated on the mound at the freshman level, got the starting nod from coach Curt Plotner as the Tigers stepped outside the COC for a second straight game. White pitched four innings, allowing three runs (two earned), two hits, and striking out two. He did not walk a batter. Ace McWatters pitched the fifth inning to close out the victory, striking out a batter and allowing one hit.
Republic grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Brady Usgaard singled, went to third base on a single by Kyle Hill, and scored on a hit by Jared Hughes.
The Tigers added three more runs in the second. Bryce Messier singled and Richard Potter walked before Gavin Walker doubled them both home. Walker scored on an error to make the score 4-0.
After Parkview made the score 4-3 in the top of the third inning, Republic put the game away with nine in the bottom of the inning. The first six batters reached base, including Bryce Messier and Gavin Walker, who each drove in two runs with doubles. Fourteen batters came to the plate, and the Tigers led 13-3 by the time the inning ended.
Jared Hughes was 3-for-3 with three runs batted in for the Tigers. Messier was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Gavin Walker was 2-for-2 with two doubles and four runs batted in, and he scored twice. Brady Usgaard was 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Tyler Burks also doubled for the Tigers.
Republic improves to 13-6 overall. The Tigers put their undefeated COC record on the line tomorrow when they host Willard. (Republic Tiger Sports will stream the game live.)
