Chandler Coates saved his best performance for the biggest game he’s ever pitched. Coates struck out 12 and allowed just four hits as Republic shut out Carthage 4-0 in the Class 5 District 12 semifinals.
“This is, honestly, my first outing in this big of a situation. Everything else has been U-Trip (USSSA) tournaments and stuff, but this is high school districts, and it’s my first time out,” Coates says.
The sophomore didn’t let the size of the stage intimidate him. He was sharp from the start, striking out four in the first two innings. Carthage didn’t mount a serious threat until the 5th inning, when they put runners on 2nd and 3rd before Coates got Jared Heman to fly out to center field.
Only two of Carthage’s four base hits made it into the outfield.
“He mixed up his speeds really well, and hit spots all night,” says coach Howard Quigley. “That’s what pitching is all about, is disrupting timing, and he did an awesome job of doing that tonight.”
It’s the second straight shutout for the Tigers, who beat Joplin 1-0 behind Dustin Eby’s three-hitter. The Tiger starters have given up just seven base hits in the last two games.
Republic will face a tough test against Willard in the championship game Tuesday night. Willard pounded top-seeded Webb City 22-8 in their semifinal game.
“Willard’s got a good team. They’ve had some good postseason runs here the last couple of years, and they’re hitting the ball really well,” says Quigley. “We’re going to have to mix up speeds like Chandler did tonight.”
The district championship game will feature the #5 seed (Willard) against the #6 seed (Republic) in a six-team district. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.