The Lady Tigers scored eight runs over the last two innings Friday, storming back to beat Sedalia Smith-Cotton 8-2.
Republic didn’t score in the first five innings, and Smith-Cotton grabbed an early lead with two runs in the first inning. But Lady Tigers pitcher Kendra Goeke kept the score where it was, retiring Smith-Cotton without another run after the first and going the distance without walking a batter. The struck out seven to earn the win.
With one out in the sixth, Goeke and Mia Carnes singled back to back, and after a second out, Taylor tripled to score them both and tie the game 2-2. Chloe Simpson lined a single to left field to bring Taylor home and put Republic ahead 3-2.
The seventh turned into a nine-batter inning. Goeke singled home a run, and Emma Ellison was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another. Taylor reached on a fielder’s choice and a run scored on a wild throw home. Simpson drove in another run with a sacrifice fly, and Jayma Pitchford singled home another to make it 8-2.
In addition to earning the win with a complete game, Goeke also reached base four times, going 2-for-2 with two walks.
Taylor added three hits in five at-bats. Carter went 2-for-3 with a walk, Carnes had two hits, and Republic finished with 12 hits and five walks as a team, striking out three times.
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.