Smith-Cotton broke open a close game with nine runs in the fifth and sixth innings to defeat Republic 11-2 Friday at Republic. The Tigers managed just five hits while committing four errors that led to seven unearned runs.
Smith-Cotton took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Cooper Woolery singled and later scored on a fielder’s choice by Kendall Hagedorn. They added another run in the fourth on Ian Jackson’s RBI single to make it 2-0.
Republic answered in the bottom of the fourth. Jackson Overstreet singled, moved to third on a fly out, and scored on Cannon Ellison’s single. When Mason Fleetwood walked with the bases loaded, it tied the game at 2-2.
Smith-Cotton reclaimed the lead in the fifth inning, scoring three times with the help of Republic errors and wild pitches. They put the game away with a five-run sixth inning, highlighted by Hagedorn’s RBI double.
Jayden Archibeque earned the win for Smith-Cotton. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five and walking six.
Kyler Tate took the loss for Republic, surrendering five runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked two, allowing eight hits. Ryder Smith worked 1 1/3 innings, allowing six runs — but only two of them earned. Jackson Overstreet pitched one inning and did not allow a run.
Overstreet also had two hits and scored a run for Republic, while Cannon Ellison drove in a run and scored once.
The loss snaps Republic’s two-game winning streak and drops their record to 13-14. Smith-Cotton improves to 18-16. Republic will next play at Parkview on May 13.
