Tigers Come Back…Back…Back in First Win

Shortstop Regan Butterworth turns one Republic's three double plays in the game.
Shortstop Regan Butterworth turns one Republic’s three double plays in the game.

Republic fell behind Rogersville three times — and every time the Tigers had the answer. The final comeback was the clincher in Republic’s first win of the season, 7-6 over the Wildcats Monday night.

Jansen McQuerter closed the door on Rogersville after Republic took the lead in the bottom of the 4th. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings and picked up the win in relief of Alex Reynolds.

“We came back and we competed and we were aggressive the whole game. That’s something we’ve talked about a lot: ‘What is our team personality going to be?’ says coach Howard Quigley. “It’s going to have to be scrappy. It’s going to have to be aggressive. Not only in baseball, but in whatever they do the rest of their life. They need to have that mentality.”

The Wildcats jumped on top 2-0 in the top of the 1st, but Republic tied the game on an RBI double by Regan Butterworth and a wild pitch that scored Parker Nelson.

After the Wildcats scored a single run in the 3rd, Republic scored three more in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a couple of Rogersville errors and a wild pitch, making the score 5-3.

Rogersville took the lead 6-5 in the top of the 4th, but Republic again immediately answered. Austin Atkins drew a one-out walk, Jake Smith singled, and Butterworth reached on an error that scored Atkins, tying the game. Catcher Gage Morris came up with a two-out hit to score Smith, giving the Tigers the lead for good.

McQuerter turned in his second strong outing of the season in relief. He has now pitched 5 2/3 innings without allowing a run.

Jake Smith was 2-for-4 to lead the Tigers’ offense. Ryan Cape drove in two runs for Republic.

The Tigers improve to 1-1. They play Webb City at home Tuesday.

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