Republic’s lineup broke out of its early-season doldrums in a big way at Monett, pounding the Cubs 15-1 in a five-inning game. Brett Hendrickson continued his hot start with a 3-for-4 performance that included four runs batted in. Wyatt Woods added two hits, driving in three runs and scoring three.
The Tigers scored four runs in the top of the first inning, and that was all they would need for starting pitcher Myles Lozano, who worked four innings to pick up his first win of the season. He allowed one run on one hit, striking out five and walking one, improving his record to 1-1. Ethan Anderson pitched a scoreless fifth inning to close out the game.
Woods had the big hit in the first inning, hitting a bases-loaded triple to put Republic ahead 3-0 before Hendrickson singled home another run to make it 4-0.
The Tigers added six more runs in the third. Hendrickson singled home another run, Ryder Davis drew a bases-loaded walk, and a double by Garrett Lester made it 9-0. A subsequent error allowed another run to score for the Tigers.
Monett posted its lone run in the bottom of the third, making the score 10-1. Republic added a single run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Kanon Krol. The Tigers scored four more in the fifth, including two more driven in by Hendrickson. Nolan Coble picked up his first varsity base hit and his first varsity RBI when he singled home Hendrickson to make it 15-1.
The Tigers had eight base hits and drew eight walks in five innings.
The win improves Republic’s record to 3-2 this season. Monett suffers its first loss, falling to 2-1. The Tigers will be back in action Thursday against Springfield Glendale in a game to be played at Kickapoo.
Line Score R H E Republic 406 14 - 15 8 0 Monett 001 00 - 1 1 3