Trace Harrington delivered a historic performance in Republic’s 12-1 victory over Carthage on Wednesday at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin. The senior went 4-for-4 at the plate with three home runs, a single, a walk, and nine RBIs, reaching base safely in all five plate appearances. Harrington also pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run, to pick up the win on the mound.
Harrington’s three home runs tied the Republic single-game mark set by Beau Davis against Ash Grove in 1998. His nine RBIs are tied for ninth-most in a game, according to the Missouri State High School Activities Association record book online, and his 13 total bases are tied for seventh-most in a single game.
“Finally a warm game so I felt loose and relaxed,” Harrington said. “I feel like the home run yesterday definitely carried over. I’ve been starting to just think less at the plate.”
After his second homer, Harrington considered the possibility of hitting a third. “I wasn’t trying to do too much, but got into a good count to do some damage,” he said. “I was not expecting another fastball, but he ended up throwing me one and I got hold of it. I was pretty shocked myself, to be honest.”
The offensive output was so good that it nearly overshadowed his pitching, but taken all together, Harrington’s game was easily our Performance of the Week.