(File photo) Landon Carter shut down Rogersville to enable Republic’s comeback at home Tuesday.

Carter Contains ‘Cats in Comeback Win

Landon Carter came out of the bullpen to close the door on Rogersville with the Tigers trailing in the second inning – and he kept the door closed until Republic’s comeback was complete. Carter shut out Rogersville for 5 2/3 innings, helping the Tigers pull off a 4-3 win at home Tuesday.

After Rogersville and Republic traded runs in the first inning, the Wildcats put the first two runners on base and scored another run against Republic starter Caide White in the second inning. Republic coach Curt Plotner called Carter out of the bullpen, and Carter worked out of the inning, allowing only the inherited baserunner to score.

Rogersville maintained its 3-1 lead until the fourth inning, but the Tigers chipped away, scoring single runs in three consecutive innings to take the lead.

In the fourth, Devon Hughes drove home Andrew Schroeder with one out to make the score 3-2.

In the fifth inning, Beckner led off with a single, went to second on a wild pitch, went to third on a second wild pitch, and scored when the catcher’s throw to third base sailed into left field. That tied the score 3-3.

In the sixth inning, Schroeder singled and Garrett Lester walked to start the inning, and Devon Hughes sacrificed to move them to second and third. The next batter, Connor Sandridge, lined out to left field, allowing Schroeder to tag up and score the go-ahead run.

Meanwhile, Carter was befuddling Rogersville’s hitters with an array of off-speed pitches that left them off-balance and flailing. He didn’t allow a run and gave up only two base hits in earning the win. He struck out seven, walked one, and hit a batter, throwing 77 pitches (49 strikes).

The Tigers banged out nine base hits, led by Beckner, Schroeder, and Lester, with two each. Beckner and Schroeder each scored twice.

Republic had scored its first run after two were out in the first inning. Beckner walked and Trace Harrington singled him home. The Tigers missed a great opportunity to score in the second inning when Drew Schroeder doubled to lead off and Garrett Lester doubled on a shallow fly ball down the third base line that landed on top of the diving left fielder. Because Schroeder had to wait to see if the ball would be caught, he could only advance to third.

The next batter was Devon Hughes, who grounded the ball up the middle and off the glove of the Rogersville pitcher, Tanner Peterson. Peterson picked up the ball, froze Schroeder at third, and tagged Lester out between second and third base. He got Sandridge to pop up on the infield and struck out Ellison to get out of the jam.

The win improves Republic’s record to 4-4. Rogersville falls to 4-3.

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