Republic scored four runs late in the game to break a 3-3 tie and knock off Carthage on the road 7-3. The win keeps Republic unbeaten in the Central Ozark Conference at 5-0.
Republic scored three runs in the top of the first inning to grab an early lead, and Carthage returned the favor with a three-run rally of its own in the bottom of the fifth inning, tying the score 3-3. But Republic scored two runs in the sixth, aided by two Carthage outfield errors. Republic added two more in the seventh and held on for the win.
Vincent Pyeatt pitched six innings to get the win for Republic. He allowed three runs – two earned – on six hits, striking out three and walking two. Jared Hughes pitched the seventh, striking out two batters.
Hughes also had two hits and drove in three runs. Ryker Harrington scored three times and reached base on a hit and a walk.
Republic’s three-run first inning started with a Pyeatt leadoff triple. He scored on a Carthage outfield error that put Ryker Harrington on third base. After Kyle Hill walked, Ryker Harrington scored on a passed ball. Jared Hughes singled home courtesy runner Gunner Ellison to make the score 3-0.
After Carthage tied the score in the fifth, Harrington led off the sixth inning with a single. Hughes reached on a one-out error by the center fielder, and Connor Sandridge reached on an error by the right fielder that allowed Harrington to score. Bryce Messier singled home Hughes to make the score 5-3.
In the top of the seventh, Republic scored two more runs after two were out. Gavyn Beckner singled. Ryker Harrington and Kyle Hill walked to load the bases, and Hughes drove in two runs with a single to left field.
Republic improves to 11-6 overall (5-0 in the COC). The Tigers are home against Bolivar Friday.
