Republic made sure its seniors went out with a win.
The Tigers rolled to a 15-0 mercy-rule victory over Parkview in three innings Tuesday, closing out Senior Night by honoring pitchers Kyler Tate and Preston McCracken — both sidelined with injuries — with ceremonial starts before the game began. The program also recognized head coach Curt Plotner, who is in his final season leading the Tigers.
Chase Connell handled the pitching, throwing a three-inning shutout. He struck out five, walked none, and allowed three singles.
Republic’s offense built the lead quickly. Five runs crossed in the first inning, fueled in part by Parkview errors and a wild pitch. The Tigers added three more in the second, with Cooper Thomas leading off with a triple before Landon Blankenship doubled him home, Brennan Overstreet added a sacrifice fly, and Greg Hicks did the same. Hicks finished with two RBIs on the day.
The game ended in the third when Republic sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs. Nolan Lashley tripled and scored on a wild pitch, and the Tigers kept the line moving — singles from Overstreet, Hicks and Evan Rockhill, four walks and two more wild pitches finished Parkview’s afternoon. Fisher Moore drove in two runs without recording a hit. Thomas went 2-for-2 with three runs scored.
Tate and McCracken wore Republic uniforms on the field one last time, taking their place as starters in left field and at third base, respectively, then were pulled before the first pitch. Plotner spoke after the game about what both seniors brought to the program.
“Kyler had kind of taken over our pitching staff until he went down with the injury,” Plotner said. “He had been really good every time he got on the mound and gave us a chance to win. Seeing the growth that he has had from his freshman year until now … he’s going to go play at the next level, and I think he’s still got some room to grow, and he’s got great things headed his way.”
On McCracken, Plotner pointed out his positive impact offensively despite being sidelined as a pitcher all season. “Preston is still top three in a lot of offensive categories for us. He had a huge impact while he was playing,” Plotner said. “I’m just thankful for both of them [for] what they’ve given to our program.”
The win is Republic’s second straight after an 11-game losing streak. The Tigers are 9-21 and host Lebanon on Wednesday.
1 2 3 - R H E
Parkview 0 0 0 - 0 3 5
Republic 5 3 7 - 15 8 0
Pitching
Republic Chase Connell: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K Parkview William Eshnaur (L): 2 IP, 6 H, 14 R, 8 ER, 7 BB, 0 K Jermaine Townsend: 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
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Photos by David Brazeal
Photos by David Brazeal
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