March 16, 2000
The Missouri Softball team (19-10) beat the Illinois State Redbirds in both games of a double header. The games were moved inside the Devine Pavilion due to the cold weather. Missouri one the first game 4-0 and the second 2-1.
Stacy Gemeinhardt opened the first game for the Tigers reaching base and advancing to second on an error by the Redbird pitcher, Tammy Milligan. Gemeinhardt advanced to third on a Karen Williams ground out to the shortstop. Christy Skouby drilled a RBI double to right center field, scoring Gemeinhardt. The next play Skouby scored on a Linda Swarts triple deep into center field. Swarts scored on a Mary McGrane RBI single, giving the Tigers the 3-0 lead.
The Tiger defense held strong through the game and only allowed one Redbird runner to reach third base. The final Tiger run of the game came in the fourth inning. Gemeinhardt scored on a Swarts single to center field.
Stephanie Falk pitched the 4-0 shut out for the Tigers. She recorded 10 strikeouts. This marks her fourth consecutive game with double figures in strikeouts. Her record is now 9-6.
The second game was as fast paced as the first, but all the scoring was done in the third inning. Illinois State's Jodi Kent started the scoring with a solo home run to give the Redbirds the 1-0 lead.
Missouri answered back in the bottom of the inning. Karen Williams hit a triple into left field to score Gemeinhardt. Williams scored on the next play on a dropped fly ball by the Redbird right fielder, Jenni Neeley. Williams' run gave the Tigers the eventual 2-1 win.
Ingrid Werner started the game for the Tigers and picked up the win. Falk relieved her in the top of the sixth with the tying run on third. Falk took care of business for the last inning and a third and picked up her first save of the season.
The Tigers will begin Missouri Invitational play tomorrow at 2 p.m. against Illinois State and at 4 p.m. against Western Michigan.