Republic clinched a share of the Central Ozark Conference championship the same way it turned around a lackluster season: with pitching and defense. The Tigers got an outstanding start from pitcher Caide White, made some sparkling defensive plays, and held off Neosho for a 3-1 win at home Wednesday. The victory gave Republic an 8-1 record in the conference, ensuring that it will be tied for first place with Willard or Webb City after those two teams play one another Thursday.
White was lights-out on the mound despite a slow start. He pitched out of trouble in each of the first two innings, striking out two batters with runners in scoring position in the first, then striking out a batter with the bases loaded to end the second. He settled in after that, retiring seven straight batters at one point. He finished with a complete game, working seven innings, allowing just three hits, striking out ten and walking two. He also hit two batters.
Carter Fenske pitched well for Neosho but took the loss. He worked six innings and allowed three runs — two earned — on eight hits. He walked five batters and struck out three.
Garrett Lester collected three hits for Republic, including an RBI single that gave the Tigers an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. With the Tigers leading 2-1, Lester roped a double down the third base line to drive in Devon Hughes, giving Republic a two-run cushion going into the seventh.
The Wildcats put a runner on in the seventh inning to bring the tying run to the plate, but Devon Hughes tracked down a hard ground ball up the middle, flipped it to Sandridge and second base for a force out, and that ended the game.
Republic had taken a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Trace Harrington hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Gunner Ellison. Neosho tied the score in the top of the fifth on a single, two wild pitches, and an RBI groundout by Wyatt Shadwick.
Republic re-took the lead 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning. Ellison walked with one out, went to second base on an errant pickoff attempt, and scored on an RBI single by Gavyn Beckner.
Republic out-hit Neosho 8-3. The Wildcats committed two errors and Republic committed one.
Republic will share the COC title with the winner of the Webb City/Willard game to be played Thursday.
The win also gives Republic a claim to the top seed in the district. The Tigers have beaten Nixa, Willard, Neosho, Ozark, Carthage, and Joplin. Their only district loss is a one-run loss to Kickapoo. The Chiefs are 16-14 overall and have district losses to Kickapoo and Ozark.
The Tigers improve their record to 17-9 overall. They’ve won seven straight. Neosho falls to 14-13. Republic will host Sedalia Smith-Cotton Friday. We will NOT broadcast the game on YouTube.
