Tiger softball run-rules No. 3 LSU in five innings
April 27, 2015 | Sports,
By: Ben Burke, KCOU Sports
After an impressive offensive performance, the No. 15 Missouri softball team became the first team to defeat LSU by way of the run-rule this season, winning 10-2. The Tigers also became the second team to win a series against LSU this season after taking Saturday’s game as well.
Missouri wasted no time getting the offense going, as the Tigers were able to put four runs on the board in their half of the first inning. The early explosion of offense included a two-run single by third baseman Amanda Sanchez and a two-run home run by catcher Kirsten Mack. Mack’s homer was her 13th of the season, which leads the team.
The first inning also saw Sami Fagan draw a walk, which extended her reached base safely streak to 32 games. The redshirt junior is now tied with Jen Bruck for second all-time in program history.
After LSU’s Bianka Bell got the opposing Tigers on the board with a solo home run off of Missouri pitcher Tori Finucane in the top of the third, Missouri plated three more runners in both the third and fourth innings to put the game out of reach.
The Missouri Tigers used their speed effectively throughout this game, shown by the fact that Missouri put 10 runs on the board on only seven hits. The Tigers’ speed was exemplified by the rare double steal in the third inning that allowed pinch runner Sydney Sprague to steal home and give Missouri the 7-1 lead.
On the mound, Finucane did not have her best start, walking five batters in her three innings of work. However, the sophomore also recorded five strikeouts, and stranded eight LSU runners on her way to her 18th win of the season.
Taking over for Finucane in the fourth inning, freshman Paige Lowary followed up Saturday night’s complete game performance by pitching two innings of no-hit ball to seal the victory.
With the win, Missouri improves its record to 35-10 on the season, and 13-7 in SEC play. Missouri will go for the sweep of LSU on Monday at 6 p.m.