Monett’s Allie Krueger struck out 11 batters in a 3-1 victory over Republic to spoil the Lady Tigers’ home opener Monday. The Lady Cubs scored two runs in the 7th inning to break a 1-1 tie, then snuffed out a Republic rally in the bottom of the 7th.
Monett took the lead on a squeeze play in the top of the 5th after an infield hit and a sacrifice bunt to start the inning.
Republic answered in the bottom of the 6th when Danielle Shelton hit a deep sacrifice fly that scored Abby Norris.
In the top of the 7th, Monett put together three hits to retake the lead. Republic put the tying runs on base in the bottom of the inning, but Stephanie Eckhoff lined out to second base to end the game.
Krueger allowed just four hits and walked three in picking up the complete-game victory for Monett. Eckhoff allowed three runs on eight hits, striking out seven for Republic, as she suffered her first loss of the year.
Monett improves to 4-0. Republic is now 2-1. The Lady Tigers play Carthage on the road Thursday.
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In the JV game, Cheyenne Roberts was 2-for-2 with a double and scored a run, as the Lady Tigers won 4-3. Molly Zinecker allowed three runs over five innings, striking out six to pick up the win.