Lebanon used a four-run third inning to build a lead they never relinquished in a 7-5 victory over Republic Wednesday night.
The Yellowjackets capitalized on Republic’s four errors, which contributed to four unearned runs. Preston McCracken suffered the loss on the mound for Republic, allowing seven runs (three earned) on seven hits over six innings. He struck out eight batters while walking just one.
Republic struck first in the second inning when Nolan Coble singled to right field, scoring McCracken. Lebanon answered immediately when Cole Milliken singled to right, bringing home Bronsen Rhoads to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the inning.
The Yellowjackets broke the game open with four runs in the third. Cole Milliken singled home Nolan Fort, then Chance Cromer delivered a two-run single that was compounded by an error, allowing two runs to score. Braiden Lamontagne grounded out to bring in Cromer, extending Lebanon’s lead to 5-1.
Republic cut into the deficit in the fifth when Nolan Lashley homered to left field for his first varsity home run. Later in the inning, Jackson Overstreet scored on a passed ball, making it 5-3.
Lebanon added a run in the fifth on a passed ball that allowed Milliken to score. They tacked on another in the sixth with a sacrifice fly that brought in a pinch hitter.
Republic rallied with two final runs in the seventh. Jackson Overstreet scored on Isaac White’s double to right field, and White later crossed the plate on a passed ball, but the comeback fell short.
White led Republic at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Jackson Overstreet scored two runs.
The loss drops Republic to 8-5 on the season. The Tigers will play Columbia Battle on Thursday in Warrensburg at the Smith-Cotton Tournament.
