A four-run first-inning outburst propelled Republic to a 6-5 victory against Rolla Saturday, as the Tigers withstood a late comeback bid by the Bulldogs to secure the win in Columbia.
Jackson Overstreet led Republic with two hits, and Nolan Lashley drove in two runs. Isaac White scored twice for the Tigers, who managed just six hits but drew seven walks.
Preston McCracken earned the win for Republic, allowing three runs (one earned) over five innings while striking out seven. Cooper Pilkinton pitched two innings in relief to secure the save.
Republic jumped ahead quickly in the top of the first. Ryder Davis walked, Cannon Ellison was hit by a pitch, and Jackson Overstreet reached on an error to load the bases. Isaac White walked to force in the first run, and Ellison scored on Preston McCracken’s sacrifice fly. Overstreet scored on a wild pitch, and White came home on Lashley’s single to make it 4-0.
The Tigers added a run in the third when Cooper Pilkinton walked, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on Lashley’s sacrifice fly.
Rolla scored three times in the fourth inning, taking advantage of two passed balls and an error to cut Republic’s lead to 5-3. The Tigers added their final run in the fifth when White walked and eventually scored on Pilkinton’s single.
Rolla narrowed the gap to 6-5 with two unearned runs in the sixth inning, both scoring on Republic errors, but Pilkinton shut the door in the seventh to preserve the win.
The win put Republic’s record at 3-0 to start the season.
