The Pirates and Tigers met in the Steve Lael Lead Off Tournament on Saturday in Branson. The Pirates were able to pull out the home win 3-1.
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Branson senior Chad Reusch knocked a two-run blast in the bottom of the third inning to put the first runs on the board. Hunter Werling smacked an RBI double three batters later to give Branson a comfortable 3-0 lead, especially with Reusch hurling on the mound.
In addition to the home run, Reusch started the game and pitched five innings with five strikeouts and two hits allowed. One of those hits was a solo home run from Republic shortstop Regan Butterworth in the top of the fourth.
“I’m more proud of my pitching,” said Reusch. “I’ve pitched all four years of high school, but I haven’t had much control. But this offseason I hit it hard. Finding that control made me more proud of my pitching performance. And then helping myself out on the offensive end helped it a lot too.”
This is just Branson’s second game of the season. They’re coming off a 2-1 loss to Nixa on Friday where they recorded just one hit. Coach Nimmo is confident that his team will be able to lean on pitching and defense this season while the offense warms up.
“Today’s at-bats were a little bit better than the day before,” Nimmo said, “and that comes when you see guys on the mound. You can’t simulate a game situation at-bat. And hitting usually comes around later. The big thing is if you can throw strikes and you can play defense, you’re going to be in most ball games and have an opportunity. So far we’ve done that and hitting will come along as we go, I hope.”
Republic and Branson don’t normally play each other in this tournament, so this meeting is unique to both schools.
“There are six teams and the tournament and you’re going to get five games in the tournament,” explained Nimmo. “It started where us and Republic host, and it’s still that way. We’re always at home and Republic is always at home in the past. But we have added a game this year. Instead of playing just four, us and Republic never played each other, but we added that fifth game.”
The Lael Tournament will last through Thursday of next week. Republic will look to rebound when they take on Webb City on Monday. Branson will face Carl Junction on Monday as the spring season gets underway.
“I’m just ready to see how our team chemistry comes together,” said Reusch. “We’ve played with each other for years now so I’m excited to see how we mesh. We did really good last summer, so I’m just confident in our abilities. We can win ball games and I’m ready to see where it takes us this year.”
