Kickapoo used a five-run fifth inning to come from behind and beat Republic in Springfield Wednesday, 8-4. The Chiefs took advantage of nine walks by Republic pitchers, scoring their eight runs despite having only six base hits.
Ace McWatters continued to swing a hot bat. He was 3-for-3 with a home run and a double, and he drove in two runs.
Republic scored first in the top of the third inning. With two out, Gunner Ellison walked and Gavyn Beckner tripled him home. McWatters made the score 2-0 with a leadoff homer in the fourth.
Kickapoo reached Republic starter for five runs in the fifth, when the first six hitters reached base safely. The Chiefs had three doubles in the inning, and despite a double play by Republic, led 5-2 when the inning was over.
Kickapoo added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take an 8-2 lead. Republic scored twice in the seventh, thanks to an RBI single by McWatters and a sacrifice fly by Devon Hughes.
Iles suffered the loss, pitching four innings and allowing five runs on four hits. He struck out five and walked five.
Republic falls to 6-8.