Willard rapped out 13 base hits and scored seven runs in the first two innings to take an 8-1 win over Republic in Willard Tuesday. A six-run second inning was plenty for Cooper Wilken, who struck out seven Republic batters and allowed just one run on five hits in five innings of work to pick up the win.
Willard put the first two batters on base in each of the first two innings. The first time, Republic’s Cole Iles was able to pitch out of trouble, allowing just one run. But in the second inning, Willard blew the game open, collecting give base hits and taking advantage of a walk and a catcher’s interference call to extend its lead to 7-0.
Tyler Burks pitched well in relief, allowing just one more run over the next four innings, but the Republic offense couldn’t get going against Wilken. Republic’s only run came in the fifth inning, when Gavyn Beckner singled home Devon Hughes.
Beckner had three of Republic’s seven base hits, in addition to collecting its only RBI.
Republic falls to 11-10 overall, 4-2 in the COC. Willard is 21-5 (5-1). Republic will host Joplin Wednesday in a game that was originally scheduled for Thursday, but was moved up because of rain in the forecast.
