In a game where hits didn't tell the whole story, the Carthage High School baseball team out-hit Springfield Kickapoo 7-6 on Tuesday but ultimately fell 8-4 on the road. Despite the final score, the contest showcased some early strategic plays and a late push from the Tigers.

Carthage (6-6) struck first in a heads-up play, as Tate Nichols alertly scored from third base on a pickoff attempt at first. However, Kickapoo (8-6) responded forcefully, tying the game in the bottom of the first and seizing control with a five-run outburst over the next two innings. The Chiefs' offense was powered by Nicholas Lipari, who launched a two-run homer in the second and finished the day 2-for-3 with three RBIs and three runs scored.

Facing an 8-1 deficit, Carthage showed resilience in the fifth inning, plating three runs to tighten the score. Tate Nichols and Cooper Jackson each contributed two hits for the Tigers, while Kickapoo starter Dylan Smith racked up an impressive 10 strikeouts over 4.1 innings to anchor his team's victory.

Looking ahead, Carthage continues its busy week with upcoming conference matchups, aiming to translate more hits into runs as the season progresses.