Neosho took advantage of Republic’s defensive miscues and got a dominant pitching performance from Olivia Emery in a 4-1 win Thursday night in Republic.
The Wildcats broke a scoreless tie in the third inning. Ashlyn Stevens walked to lead off, and an error allowed Autumn Kinnard to reach safely. Kynden Smith followed with a single that brought Stevens home, and an error on the play allowed Kinnard to advance to third and Smith to second. Journey Arnall then reached on an error that brought in Kinnard to make it 2-0.
Republic held Neosho off the board until the sixth, when Kinnard reached on an error that allowed Kylie Tomlinson to score. In the seventh, Arnall doubled and later scored on Karly Mahurin’s RBI single to extend the lead to 4-0.
Republic finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh. Paige Elsenraat singled and moved into scoring position on an error, then scored on a two-out single to right by Piper Dishman. That was all the offense the Lady Tigers could muster.
Elsenraat had two of Republic’s three hits, including a double. Dishman drove in the only run with her RBI single.
Dishman started in the circle for Republic, working three innings and allowing two runs (one earned). Kara Goeke finished the game, giving up two runs (one earned) over four innings.
Emery went the distance for Neosho, striking out nine and walking none while scattering three hits.
With the win, Neosho improved to 14-6 overall. Republic fell to 10-11. The Lady Tigers will be home next Sept. 29 to face Rogersville.
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