Junior Chandler Coates made sure Senior Night was a success for Republic. Coates pitched a complete-game shutout, striking out seven and allowing just four hits and a walk to lead the Tigers to a 2-0 win over state-ranked Rogersville.
The Tigers scored all the runs they’d need in the 1st inning. Austin Atkins and Parker Nelson walked to lead things off. After Jake Smith grounded into a force out at second, Regan Butterworth slugged a two-run double over the head of the left fielder.
The Tigers had several more chances to score, but couldn’t push any more runs across the plate. They left 11 men on base for the game.
“We were aggressive and hit the ball hard. Sometimes they fall in and sometimes they don’t,” says coach Howard Quigley.
It was the second win of the year over the Wildcats for Republic, who had won an earlier matchup 7-6. The win also snaps a four-game losing streak for the Tigers, who improved to 12-8.
After the game, Republic honored three seniors players: Parker Nelson, Alex Reynolds, and Jake Smith; and two managers: Maddi Pullen and Jera Pipkin.
“It’s definitely bittersweet because it’s the last game, but you’re recognized for the hard work you put in and the team you’ve played with, and how far you’ve come and all you’ve accomplished,” says Nelson. “The lessons I’ve learned and the overall relationships I’ve built have been very, very worthwhile.”
Republic is back home Wednesday for a game against Springfield Glendale.