Cole Iles struck out ten Branson hitters and allowed just four hits, picking up his second consecutive complete-game win in a 7-0 decision at home Tuesday. Connor Sandridge had three base hits for the Tigers, who won their third straight game.
Iles and Branson Starter Kale Lankton locked up in a pitcher’s duel for the first four innings, with neither team’s lineup able to score. But in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers broke on top with two runs. Garrett Lester led off with a double and went to third on a sacrifice by Devon Hughes. Gunner Ellison tripled into the tap in left center, scoring Lester, and Ellison scored on an RBI single by Sandridge to make the score 2-0.
Branson threatened in the top of the sixth when a hit batter and a single put two runners on with one out. But Iles struck out the next batter and induced a ground ball back to the mound to end the inning.
Republic put the game away in the sixth inning, when the first six batters got base hits off Branson reliever Andrew Bristow. Trace Harrington and Ace McWatters singled, then Drew Schroeder singled to score Harrington and make the score 3-0. Garrett Lester laid down a perfect bunt to reach on a single and load the bases, and Devon Hughes doubled into left field to drive in two more runs, making the score 5-0. Gunner Ellison hit another double into the left center field gap to score two more, putting Republic on top 7-0.
Iles allowed one base runner in the seventh, but finished out the game to pick up the win. He pitched a complete game in Republic’s COC opener at Neosho, giving him two consecutive complete games. His ten strikeouts against Branson were a career high. In addition to allowing four base hits, he walked two. The seven shutout innings dropped his season earned run average to 2.94.
Republic improved to 9-8 overall and 3-1 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Tigers host Carthage Thursday.