University of Missouri
IowaSt
Tiger Softball Splits with Cyclones
3/28/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 28, 2000
The Iowa State Cyclones were able to steal a 3-2 win from the Tigers in the bottom of the seventh inning in the first game of today's doubleheader, but the Tigers fought hard and came back with a roar in the second game to win 6-3.
The first game got off to an unusual start, and ended unusually as well. All three of Iowa State's runs were scored on defensive miscues that don't normally happen to the Tigers. Iowa State's leadoff batter, Lisa Frank, got an infield hit. She advanced to second on a wild pitch. Frank scored on an Adrianne Blackmon ground out to Tiger pitcher Stephanie Falk. Missouri first baseman Christy Skouby caught Falk's throw, but she took one for the team when she was run over and knocked down by the runner and could not make the throw home to prevent the run from scoring.
Iowa State scored again in the third inning, again it was in a strange way. The leadoff batter, Amber Lessinger, drove a base hit into left field. She advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a ground out. With two outs and Lessinger on third, Blackmon bunted to third. Missouri's Erin Erickson fielded the ball quickly, but was indecisive about where to make the throw. She pitched the ball to the plate, but it was a half-second too late, allowing Lessinger to score and give the Cyclones the 2-0 lead.
Missouri scored their first run in the top of the fourth. Skouby reached base on balls. She advanced on a Linda Swarts shot to right field. Skouby scored on an Erickson hit straight down the right field line.
The Tigers tied the game in the top of the fifth. Amy Farmer led off the inning with a double to left field. Kristin Burke came in to run for her. Burke scored on a Stacy Gemeinhardt infield single. The game was tied 2-2 after five complete.
The game remained tied going into the bottom of the seventh. The Tiger defense had to hold to send the game into extra innings to give them a chance to win. Michelle Junod started the inning with a double down the right line. She advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. The next two batters walked, loading the bases. Junod scored the winning run on a wild pitch while Cinnamon Gooding was up to bat.
Stephanie Falk picked up the loss for the Tigers, moving her record to 11-8 on the season. Jen Bice got the win for Iowa State.
The Tigers started the second game with a roar, eager to corral their three game losing streak. The got down to business right away in the top of the first. Stacy Gemeinhardt led off with a single shot to center field. She stole second. Skouby walked. The Missouri runners stole second and third. Gemeinhardt scored on an Erickson shot down the right line. Skouby and Erickson both scored on Amy Farmer's second double of the day, putting the Tigers up 4-0.
The Tigers added one more run in the top of the third. Erickson base on an error by Cyclone third baseman Michelle Junod. She scored on a single into left field by Mary McGrane.
Iowa State answered in the bottom of the inning. Lisa Frank scored on a Robyn Riedler single. Blackmon scored on an error by Swarts while Riedler was stealing second. Riedler scored on passed ball. Those were the only runs the Cyclones would score, but the Tigers scored two more in the top of the fifth.
Erickson led off with a single deep to left field. Kristen Burke followed with a blooper single to second base. Burke stole second. With runners on second and third, McGrane grounded out to second, allowing Erickson to score. For the eventual final run of the game, Sara Vassmer drove the ball down the left field line to score Burke.
The game was called after six complete innings because of darkness. Ingrid Werner got the win for the Tigers. Her record improves to 11-5. Erica Martinez took the loss for Iowa State.
The Tigers face No. 16 Iowa tomorrow in Iowa City. The non-conference doubleheader begins at 2 p.m.
