Lebanon cruised to a 12-2 baseball victory over Republic Friday night. The Yellowjackets pounded out nine hits and took advantage of eight walks issued by Republic pitchers. A seven-run fourth inning broke the game open for Lebanon.
After Republic tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second, Lebanon responded with two runs in the bottom half and never looked back. The Yellowjackets tacked on seven more in the fourth and ended the game by run rule with two runs in the fifth.
Devon Hughes, Jackson Overstreet and Brett Hendrickson recorded the only hits for Republic. Wyatt Woods and Cooper Pilkinton drove in the Tigers’ runs.
Preston McCracken, in his first start of the season after returning from injury, took the loss. He allowed three runs on three hits over two innings, striking out two and walking one.
Myles Lozano pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief, surrendering seven runs on five hits and four walks. Ethan Anderson pitched 2/3 of an inning, giving up two runs on one hit and three walks.
The loss drops Republic to 11-9 on the season. The Tigers will visit Joplin on Tuesday for their next game.
