Republic scored 25 runs in two games, winning one of two games in a Saturday double-header in Springfield. The Tigers opened with a 19-11 loss to Willard, then beat host Glendale 14-7 in the nightcap.
Willard scored ten runs in the fifth inning of the opener, highlighted by Elliott Friend’s grand slam. It was his second home run of the game.
Republic collected 13 base hits, including three by Gavyn Beckner, who drove in two runs and scored twice. Jared Hughes was 3-for-3 with a walk, driving in three and scoring twice. Richard Potter was 2-for-5 with three RBIs.
Jared Miles picked up the win in relief for Willard, and Ace McWatters took the loss. Jared Hughes started the game and pitched two innings, allowing six runs – but only one earned. He struck out two and walked five. Caide White allowed eight runs in 2 1/3 innings in relief, before McWatters came in to pitch 2 2/3, allowing five runs.
In the nightcap, Republic pulled away with a five-run fourth inning to top Glendale 14-7. Vincent Pyeatt tripled twice, driving in three runs and scoring three. Beckner, Ryker Harrington, Kyle Hill, Jared Hughes, and Connor Sandridge had two hits apiece for the Tigers.
Beckner was the winning pitcher. He went five innings, allowing just two runs – one of them earned. He struck out seven and walked three. Harrington pitched two innings in relief, allowing five unearned runs.
Republic improves to 5-4 ahead of a game against Ozark Tuesday.