Republic built an early lead and survived a seventh-inning scare to beat Warrensburg 11-8 Friday night, salvaging a split of their doubleheader after falling to Lone Jack 5-3 earlier in the day.
The win against Warrensburg snapped a three-game losing streak for Republic, who will continue play in the Smith-Cotton Tournament in Sedalia on Saturday.
The Tigers jumped ahead quickly against Warrensburg with two runs in the first inning and four more in the second to take a 6-0 lead. After the hosts cut the deficit to 6-3 in the third, Republic added five runs in the sixth inning to seemingly put the game out of reach at 11-3.
But Warrensburg made things interesting with a five-run rally in the seventh inning. After starter Jackson Overstreet pitched 2 2/3 innings, Kyler Tate worked into the seventh, pitching around trouble on multiple occasions before finally being lifted with the bases loaded in the seventh. Tristin Coon entered and walked two batters before Cooper Thomas was called on to close out the game with the bases loaded and no outs.
“I wasn’t really nervous. I’d been there before,” Thomas said. “I just thought, just throw strikes like I usually do and get this game over with so we can go back to the hotel.”
The first batter hit the ball hard, but center fielder Mason Fleetwood made the play, and Thomas recorded the final two outs to preserve the win.
Republic’s offense collected 10 hits and took advantage of six walks. Cannon Ellison and Brennan Overstreet each had two hits for the Tigers. Landon Perkins reached base four times with a hit and three walks. Ryder Davis scored twice and Preston McCracken drove in two runs.
Tate earned the win for Republic, allowing four runs (all earned) on one hit in 3 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out two and walked six.
Lone Jack 5, Republic 3
In the first game, Republic couldn’t overcome a four-run sixth inning by Lone Jack, falling 5-3. The Tigers collected eight hits but struck out nine times.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but Lone Jack tied the game in the fourth. After the Mules’ big sixth inning made it 5-1, Republic could only answer with single runs in the sixth and seventh.
Preston McCracken went 3-for-4 to lead Republic at the plate. Cannon Ellison was 2-for-2 with both of Republic’s RBIs, while also drawing a walk.
Brennan Overstreet pitched a complete game for Republic, allowing five runs (only two earned) on five hits. He struck out five and walked just one, throwing 63 strikes in 89 pitches. In two starts, Overstreet has pitched two complete games, going 1-1.
Lone Jack’s Clayton Layden earned the win with a strong pitching performance, striking out nine Tigers over six innings while allowing two runs. Brett Nicholson pitched the seventh inning to secure the victory.
