Feb. 26, 2000
The Missouri Tigers had a seven-game winning streak going before the Virginia Cavaliers beat them in the second game of a double-header at the Lady Back Invitational. Missouri won the first game 5-3 and dropped the second 6-7.
The Tiger senior were key in the 5-3 win. Senior Stacy Gemeinhardt began the third inning with a single to center field. Freshman Sara Vassmer reached on an error and advanced to second on the throw, also advancing Gemeinhardt to third. Senior Christy Skouby slammed a double deep into center field to score Gemeinhardt and Vassmer. Senior Linda Swarts pelted the centerfielder once again with an RBI single, scoring Skouby for the Tigers third run of the inning.
The Cavaliers answered with an unearned run in the fifth. Britton Gore scored on a throwing error by Tiger thirdbaseman, Swarts.
The seniors picked up where they left off in the fifth inning. Skouby reached first after being hit by a Stacey Zagol pitch. She advanced to second on a Swarts ground out. Sophomore Erin Erickson walked, and she and Skouby advanced to second and third on a passed ball by the Cavalier catcher. Senior Amy Farmer stepped up to the plate to drive a two RBI single to centerfield, scoring Skouby and Erickson.
Virginia capitalized on Missouri errors in the top of the sixth to score two more runs. Amy Peay reached base on a fielder's choice, but was able to advance to third on another throwing error by Swarts. Ruby Roajs scored on the play. Jen Krill grounded out to the short stop, but picked up an RBI as Peay scored. That was the last run scored in the game, giving the Tigers the 5-3 win.
Junior pitcher Stephanie Falk picked up her third consecutive win. She also improved her ERA, as none of the Cavaliers runs were earned.
The Cavaliers overcame the Tigers in the second game of the day, despite having four errors. Missouri left eight runners on base, which led to the 6-7 loss.
Missouri scored first in the top of the second. Mary McGrane scored on a Lindsey Jacoby single to center field. The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third when Skouby scored on an error by the Cavalier left fielder. Missouri's scorng continued in the fourth. Sophomore Sara McNeal, pinch running for McGrane scored on a second error by Virginia's left fielder. The next play Karen Williams scored on an error by the short stop.
Despite their defensive woes, Virginia was not going to be beaten again. The Cavalier bats were set in motion in the bottom of the fourth. Missouri pitcher Ingrid Werner gave up three hits and one run to start the inning. Senior Christy Caccavo came in to relieve her with runners on first and third. Tiger defense did a good job throwing out the lead runner at home on the next play, but batters were left on first and second. Jen Krill hit a single to the Tiger short stop to score the runner on second. Caccavo walked the next batter to load the bases. Missouri head coach Jay Miller, then brought in his ace, Stephanie Falk, to finish the inning. Falk struck out the first batter she faced, but then gave up a two RBI single to right field to tie the game at 4-4. The next play, the Tigers were able to get the third out of the inning at third, but not before the fifth run of the inning scored, putting Virginia up 5-4.
Neither team scored in the fifth, but Missouri was able to tie the game in the top of the sixth. Skouby scored Williams on a sac fly to center field. The Cavaliers were quick to answer back in the top of the inning. Krill and Peay scored on a Corinne Good double to centerfield, giving Virginia a two-run lead. Missouri fought back in the top of the seventh, but were only able to score one run. After hitting a triple, Dara Throneburg scored on a McGrane sacrifice to second base.
Falk got the loss for the Tigers, moving her record to 5-3on the season.
Missouri will play a double header against host, Arkansas, tomorrow at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.