Paige Elsenraat blasted a two-run homer to help the Lady Tigers top Carl Junction in a Central Ozark Conference game at home Thursday, 3-0. Kara Goeke pitched a complete game shutout as the Lady Tigers won their tenth game of the season.
Republic played without starting shortstop Jenna Belcher, who injured her shoulder during practice Wednesday. The new-look lineup still managed to bang out ten hits, including three each by Elsenraat and Addie Brown. Gracie Woods had two base hits. The Lady Tigers stole four bases, including two by Brown.
Goeke pitched one of her best games of the season, changing speeds and varying location to keep Carl Junction hitters off balance all night. She allowed only four base hits in seven innings, striking out five and walking two.
Cass Ellison, in her first varsity start at shortstop in place of Belcher, was rock-solid defensively, converting every opportunity, including a putout on a line drive up the middle.
Republic scored its first run in the bottom of the first inning when Woods singled, stole second, went to third base on a single by Elsenraat, then came in to score on a wild pitch.
Woods singled again to lead off the bottom of the fifth inning ahead of Elsenraat’s home run, which put Republic ahead 3-0.
Republic improves to 10-5 overall and 2-2 in the COC. The Lady Tigers have won four straight and six of their last seven. They’ll travel to the Kansas City area to participate in the Park Hill South Tournament this weekend.