A late rally salvaged the night for Republic after the Tigers nearly let one slip away at Springfield Parkview Monday night. The Vikings scored six runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-4 lead, but the Tigers responded immediately with four more runs of their own, highlighted by a Gunner Ellison two-run homer, on the way to an 11-7 non-conference win on the road.
Republic out-hit Parkview 13-7, led by senior Tyler Burks, who went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs. Burks was also hit by a pitch for the 13th time this season, increasing his school record and earning a spot in the MSHSAA record book among the all-time state leaders in that category. His 13 hit-by-pitches in a season ties him for 21st all time.
Gavyn Beckner also had three hits and drove in two runs, and Ellison was 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Two of those came with the score tied 6-6 in the top of the 5th inning. Ellison flied the ball over the left field fence, scoring Devon Hughes and giving the Tigers the lead for good.
Republic had jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning on an RBI double by Trace Harrington that scored Adam Brown, followed by an RBI single by Burks. In the fourth inning, Ellison singled home Garrett Lester to make it 3-0, and Ellison scored on an RBI single by Beckner.
The Vikings put six runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead briefly. Parkview knocked around Republic starter Drew Schroeder for four hits in the inning, and took advantage of a walk and two hit batters, as well, to grab a 6-4 lead.
But the Tigers immediately responded in the top of the fifth. Burks was hit by a pitch and Schroeder walked before Lester laced an RBI single to left, scoring Burks. Schroeder came in to score on a Parkview error, tying the score before Ellison’s two-run blast put Republic on top.
Parkview scored a run off Republic reliever Landon Carter to make the score 8-7, but Republic scored three more runs in the seventh inning when five consecutive batters reached base safely.
Schroeder pitched four innings, allowing six runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out four. Landon Carter pitched two innings of relief, allowing one run on one hit, walking two and striking out two. Gunner Ellison earned the save with one scoreless inning of work, striking out two and walking one.
Republic improves to 11-9. The Tigers travel to Willard for a COC game Tuesday.