Republic celebrated its seventh straight win, then celebrated its seven seniors after a 4-3 Senior Night win against Sedalia Smith-Cotton. And it was a senior, Collin Myers, who drove in the walk-off winning run with an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The Tigers got a strong start from another senior, Landon Carter, who held Smith-Cotton scoreless for five innings before allowing three runs in the sixth. He worked six innings and allowed three runs on six hits. He struck out eight and walked only one.
The three-run rally for Smith-Cotton tied the game after Republic had built a 3-0 lead over the first five innings. In the bottom of the second inning, Devon Hughes walked with one out, stole second, and went to third on a groundout. He scored when senior Connor Sandridge doubled to left field.
Republic added two more runs in the fifth. Trace Harrington drove home a run with a single, then came in to score on another single by Mason Mitchell later in the inning.
After Smith-Cotton tied the score 3-3, the teams remained even until the bottom of the eighth. Mitchell singled to lead off, and pinch-runner Garrett Lester stole second. Wyatt Woods walked, and Andrew Schroeder — another senior — reached on a bunt single to load the bases. After Sandridge popped out, Myers laced the game-winner to right field to secure the victory.
After the game, the Tigers honored seven seniors who have played a big role in Republic’s recent baseball renaissance. Gavyn Beckner, Landon Carter, Gunner Ellison, Aidan Gregory, Collin Myers, Connor Sandridge, Andrew Schroeder have been part of the program during two Central Ozark Conference championships, including a co-championship this year shared with Willard.
After state officials canceled their freshman season because of COVID, the seniors have contributed to 55 varsity wins, with two more regular-season games remaining this year. With an 18-9 record, Republic has an opportunity to match or exceed the 21-win program record set in 2021.
Republic has road games at Marshfield May 10 and McDonald County May 11.