Myles Lozano battled through frigid weather to pitch a two-hit complete game and lead Republic to a 6-1 victory over Park Hill South at Kearney Saturday. The Tigers scored five runs in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie and finish their three-game road trip with a win.
Lozano was masterful from the start, despite a wind chill of 36 degrees in Kearney Saturday afternoon. He allowed only five baserunners in seven innings — two base hits, two walks, and a hit batter. That hit batter accounted for the Panthers’ only run of the game in the bottom of the second inning.
Republic tied the score in the top of the third. Collin Myers singled, stole second, and went to third on a throwing error by the Park Hill South catcher. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Mason Mitchell.
In the top of the fourth, Republic took the lead for good. Garrett Lester put Republic ahead 2-1 with a bases-loaded single, and Gavyn Beckner drove home two more runners to make it 4-1. Mitchell hit an RBI single that scored Lester and Beckner to finish out the day’s scoring.
Mitchell had three RBIs in all, and Beckner drove in two.
Lozano finished the day with five strikeouts and two walks in seven innings, picking up the win.
The win improved Republic’s record to 11-9. The Tigers play next at home against Branson Tuesday.