Baseball Game Preview: Republic County Buffaloes vs. Ellsworth Bearcats

Republic County hasn't had much luck against Ellsworth recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Buffaloes will venture away from home to take on the Bearcats at 4:00 p.m. Republic County will be strutting in after a win while Ellsworth will be coming in after a loss.

Having struggled with 17 defeats in a row, Republic County turned things around against Valley Heights on Tuesday. They came out on top against the Mustangs by a score of 15-4 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). The Buffaloes' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Aden Morris

Batters Struck Out (Career)

05/06/25 vs Valley Heights	7
03/28/24 @ Valley Heights	6
03/25/25 vs Blue Valley	4
04/05/24 vs Sacred Heart	4
04/14/25 @ Bennington	3

Aden Morris made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Republic County's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 0-17 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Adam Krohn, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. Ashton Williams was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI.

Republic County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .656. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Ellsworth came up short against Southeast of Saline on Tuesday, falling 12-2. The Bearcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Ellsworth's loss dropped their record down to 7-13. As for Republic County, their record now sits at 2-18.

Republic County suffered a grim 24-0 defeat to Ellsworth in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Buffaloes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.