The Republic Tigers broke out of an offensive slump and ended a four-game losing streak on the road Thursday, defeating Webb City 7-3. For Republic coach Howard Quigley, it was career win #450.
“I didn’t even know how many wins it was. That’s not the reason I coach,” Quigley says. “It’s nice to see (the players) step up and take some pride and pick each other up.”
The Tigers banged out 11 hits and didn’t commit an error. They overcame a 3-run deficit to top the Cardinals and last year’s COC pitcher of the year, Caleb Nutting. It’s the second conference win of the season for Republic. Their previous COC win came against Branson on April 14.
The win also avenged an earlier loss to the Cardinals. Webb City pounded Republic 15-4 during the leadoff tournament.
Quigley says the Tigers’ improved performance came after some soul-searching at practice on Wednesday evening.
“We did some stuff different in practice yesterday. We would run as part of their stretching, and I’d make them start over. I told them ‘We’re not focused,'” Quigley says. “They sat in (the locker room) talking for about an hour after practice. I don’t know if that was the difference. We did a lot of things different tonight that we haven’t gotten done this year.
“I told them, ‘I have high expectations and we’re running out of time.'”
Chandler Coates started the game for the Tigers and picked up the win with a complete-game effort. He began the game with an earned run average under 1.00. After falling behind 3-0 early, Republic battled back against Nutting their second time through the lineup. It didn’t look too promising early on, according to Quigley.
“(Nutting) made us look like teeball players, and they got up three runs, then we just went up to the plate and started getting stuff done,” he says.
Jansen McQuerter had three hits to lead the Tigers. Regan Butterworth added two hits and scored twice. Ryan Cape and Josh Gentry had two hits, as well.
The Tigers improve to 7-10. They’re back in action at home Friday night against state-ranked Monett.