Webb City scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to come from behind and defeat Republic 2-1 in a Central Ozark Conference game Thursday afternoon in Republic.
Republic starting pitcher Trace Harrington gave the Tigers an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run to right-center field in the bottom of the first inning. The senior right-hander made the slim margin hold up for most of the game on the mound.
But in the top of the seventh, Harrington hit leadoff batter Samuel Weller. Hunter Shull then bunted Weller to second base. A wind-aided double by Mason Williams over the head of right fielder Jackson Overstreet allowed Weller to score the tying run. Later in the inning, a sacrifice fly by Drew Vonder Haar brought in Williams to give Webb City a 2-1 lead.
Cardinals starter Landon Fletcher shut the door in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win. Cooper Pilkinton doubled with two outs to give Republic life, but Fletcher struck out Carter Nation to end the game. During one stretch, Fletcher retired 14 out of 15 Republic batters.
Fletcher earned the complete-game victory, allowing one run on three hits over seven innings. He walked two and struck out five. Harrington took the tough-luck loss, giving up two runs on seven hits in seven innings with four strikeouts and three walks.
This is the second straight one-run loss in Central Ozark Conference play for Republic, who also lost to Willard 2-1 in nine innings on Tuesday.
With the win, Webb City improves to 3-0 in conference play and 12-3 overall. Republic falls to 0-2 in conference and 11-8 overall.
Webb City 000 000 2 - 2 7 0 Republic 100 000 0 - 1 3 1