Tiger Softball Defeats Creighton in Dramatic Fashion

Wednesday, April 18

Independence,Mo.

5:00PMCT

Missouri

Creighton

4/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball

April 19, 2001

Independence, Mo.--Trailing 4-0 after three-and-a-half innings, the Missouri softball team scored one run in the fourth and two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to post a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Creighton Bluejays Wednesday in Independence, Mo.

The Tigers struggled early, giving up two runs in the third and two more in the fourth, but they pulled together in time, shutting down the Bluejay offense and firing up the scoring engine to rally for the win.

In the top of the third inning with one out, the Bluejays scored two runs after a single to right field by Frenchy Nix. A ground-out to third base and a fly ball to right field would end the inning with the Tigers trailing, 2-0.

Tiger ace Stephaie Falk would relieve a struggling Ingrid Werner on the mound after the leadoff hitter walked in the fourth, but with a runner on second, the Bluejays would push their lead to 4-0 when center fielder Stacy Rybar hit a line-drive home run over the left field fence.

In the bottom of the fourth, leadoff hitter Karen Williams reached first on a slap-hit to the pitcher and would advance to third on a single by Rachael McGinnins. Melanie Fisher would drive in Williams with a single to center field. Two consecutive out would end the inning, but the Tigers had started their comeback, trailing 4-1.

In the bottom of the sixth with two out, the Tigers would begin to catch up as Erin Erickson doubled down the right field line. She would then score on a double to left field by Heather Allister. Allister followed suit scoring on a double by pinch hitter Kristin Burke. Mary McGrane grounded out to the shortstop, and after six innings, the Tigers trailed 4-3.

An impressive Tiger defense held the Bluejays scoreless in the seventh, and in the bottom half, leadoff hitter Sara Vassmer reached base on a single down the left field line. Williams then stepped to the plate and punched yet another single down the left field line, advancing Vassmer to second. McGinnis drew an intentional walk, and on the first pitch to the next batter, Fisher punched a line drive straight up the middle that would score Vassmer and Williams to win the game for Mizzou, 5-4.

The win moves the Tigers to 25-21 on the year. Mizzou now travels to Lawrence, Kan. for 4 p.m. matchup with Big 12 rival Kansas today before returning home this weekend for a two-day series with Texas Tech. Listen to all of the action today and every game on 1580 KTGR.