Republic’s late rally fell short as Ozark built an eight-run lead and held on for an 8-4 win Tuesday at Republic. Cooper Pilkinton’s three-run homer in the seventh inning closed the gap, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ozark’s early outburst.
Ozark jumped ahead quickly when Marcus Heavin homered to left field in the first inning. The visitors added four more runs in the second, highlighted by Gannon Miller’s bases-clearing double that scored three runs. Luke Baer also homered for Ozark in the inning, as the Tigers built a 5-0 lead.
Miller drove in another run in the fourth inning with his second double of the game, and Ozark added single runs in the third and sixth innings to push the lead to 8-0.
Republic was held hitless through three innings by Ozark starter Cooper Pumphrey, who struck out 10 batters in five innings of work. Landon Perkins broke up the no-hit bid with an infield single in the fourth.
Caden O’Donnell worked the final two innings for Ozark, striking out three. In total, Republic batters struck out 13 times in the loss.
In the seventh, Republic finally got on the board. Ryder Davis scored on an error by Ozark shortstop Brody Julian. Later in the inning, Pilkinton launched a three-run homer to left center field, his team-leading third of the season.
Cannon Ellison suffered his first loss of the season for Republic, allowing seven runs (six earned) over four innings. Ellison walked five batters and struck out three, allowing five base hits. Kyler Tate pitched three innings of relief, giving up one run on two base hits.
Miller led Ozark at the plate, going 4-for-4 with four RBIs. Heavin and Baer each homered and drove in one run.
The loss drops Republic to 7-3 on the season, while Ozark improves to 7-2. The Tigers will play Nixa in a game scheduled for Thursday.
