Republic jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 3-2 win over Joplin. The Tigers scored one run in the first inning and added two more in the third. Joplin attempted a comeback with two runs in the fifth, but fell short.
Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs got Republic on the board in the first, singling home Paige Elsenraat. The Tigers extended their lead to 3-0 in the third. Cass Ellison led off with a single and Addison Walker reached on an error. Piper Dishman then singled to drive in Ellison. Republic added another run when pinch runner Myleigh Mooneyham attempted to steal third. The throw from Joplin’s catcher deflected off Republic batter Addie Brown’s helmet, allowing Mooneyham to score.
Joplin’s two-run rally in the fifth inning wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. Brown helped preserve the win with a stellar defensive play in the seventh inning. She fielded a line drive off the left field fence, turned, and fired to third base to cut down the potential tying run.
Elsenraat and Ellison led Republic’s offense with two hits each. Dishman earned the win on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings. She struck out three, walked one and allowed one hit. Kara Goeke pitched the final four innings to pick up the save. She allowed two unearned runs on three hits, striking out four and walking one.
The victory improves Republic’s record to 14-7 overall and 2-1 in the Central Ozark Conference Western Division. The Lady Tigers host Kickapoo on Thursday.