Republic’s early-season troubles at the plate continued in a 6-2 loss to Nixa at home Wednesday. The Tigers managed eight hits, but only crossed the plate twice against Nixa starter Dustin Sipes, who struck out six and walked four in 6 1/3 innings for the Eagles.
Nixa scored in the opening inning when Jacob Karlson singled home Kyle Robillard. Republic answered on an RBI single by Austin Beckner in the bottom of the 1st.
The Eagles scored unearned runs in the 3rd and 4th innings, then put three more on the board in the top of the 7th when Greyston Scott slugged a three-run homer.
The Tigers scored once more in the 7th, when Chandler Coates and Ragan Butterworth walked and Creed Smiley singled to load the bases. A single by Parker Nelson scored a run before Riley Crews flied out and Smiley was picked off to end the game.
Chandler Coates started on the mound for Republic and took the loss. He allowed three runs — just one of them earned — on eight hits in six innings. He struck out four and walked one.
Republic falls to 0-3 this season, and will play at home Thursday against Carl Junction.