March 4, 2000
The Missouri Tigers (11-8) had a spotless game in their 2-1 victory over San Jose State (5-10) at the Easton Showcase in Fullerton Calif. Missouri found the right combination in field and the batting lineup to bring their record to 2-1 in the tournament. The stars of the game were a reserve pitcher, sent into the game to run, and a freshman pinch hitter.
San Jose State opened the scoring in the top of the second inning. The leadoff hitter, Kara Kanney, drove a home run over the left field fence to give the Spartans the 1-0 lead.
The Tigers attempted to tie the game in the third inning. Stacy Gemeinhardt reached base on a single to right field, advanced to second on a Karen Williams bunt single to first base and to third on an error by the Spartan first baseman. Christy Skouby attempted to score Gemeinhardt with another bunt single, but Gemeinhardt was thrown out at home.
Missouri's next big chance to score came in the bottom of the sixth, and this time they were able to capitalize on the opportunity. Linda Swarts walked and Sara McNeal came in to pinch run for Swarts. She advanced to second on a sacrifice by Amy Farmer and to third on a wild pitch. McNeal scored the tying run on a Dara Throneburg Sacrifice fly to center field.
The Tiger defense took care of business in the top of the seventh, retiring the Spartan batters in order. Then the offense set out to win the game. Designated player Mary McGrane drove a single into centerfield to start the inning. Reserve pitcher Christy Caccavo came in to pinch run for McGrane. Caccavo advanced to second on a Sara Vassmer single and to third on a Gemeinhardt single. Freshman Kristen Burke entered the line up to pinch hit for Karen Williams with no outs and the bases loaded. Burke drove a single, her second hit of the season to third base, scoring Caccavo and ending the game with a 2-1 win for the Tigers. It was Caccavo's first career run scored, and Birke's first RBI.
Ingrid Werner picked up the win for the Tigers. Her record moves to 5-3.
Missouri plays No. 11, the host, Cal State-Fullerton at 4:00 p.m. PT.