Republic built an early lead, then scored seven runs in the fifth inning to put away Branson in a 14-1 win on the road Tuesday. Republic out-hit the Pirates 13-3 and took advantage of five Branson errors.
Jenna Belcher was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. EmmaLee Essary was 2-for-3 with two doubles and also drove in two runs and scored twice. Addie Brown homered and scored twice.
Republic scored two runs in each of the first two innings, then added on three more in the third. Branson scored a single run in the first inning and the score was 7-1 after three. Republic doubled its score with seven more in the fifth to put the game our of reach.
Piper Dishman pitched well, working all five innings and allowing one unearned run on three hits. She struck out two and walked two.
Dishman, Gracie Woods, and Lilli Richerson also had two hits each for the Lady Tigers, who improved to 13-8 this season. Republic travels to Carthage Thursday.