When the Lady Tigers’ lineup allows Rachel Rook to pitch an entire game, she’s not too bad.
Rook threw a no-hitter, didn’t walk a batter, didn’t allow a ball out of the infield, and struck out 14 batters in a seven-inning, 14-0 win at Marshfield Tuesday. The shutout ran Rook’s scoreless streak to start the season to 15 consecutive innings. It’s the first time this year the game hasn’t been cut short by the mercy rule, as Republic improved to 3-0.
In addition to her pitching performance, Rook also tripled, singled, and drove in a run at the plate.
Republic piled up 20 hits for the game, but didn’t put it away until they scored three runs in the top of the 5th to make it 6-0. They scored two more in the 6th, and capped the scoring with six runs in the 7th.
Emily Hall led the fireworks display at the plate. She was 5-for-5 with a home run and a double, scoring once and driving in four runs. Kami Holt also homered for the Lady Tigers.
Lauren Strobel and Allie Stolte had three hits apiece.
Rachel Rook finally got to pitch a seven-inning complete game, and she showed by she’s one of the most feared pitchers in southwest Missouri. Rook struck out 14 batters and barely allowed Marshfield to put the ball in play. She also added two hits, including a triple. All season long, Country Couture Boutique is sponsoring a player of the game for Lady Tigers softball. Stop in to their store across from Casey’s on Highway 174 for a complete selection of softball and other Tiger and Lady Tiger apparel.
Republic improves to 3-0. They’ve outscored their opponents by a combined 60-0 in those three games. They’ll be at home Thursday against Carthage for their Central Ozark Conference opener.