April 28, 2002
College Station, Texas-The University of Missouri softball team fell victim to the big inning once again on Sunday in College Station, Texas. With the score tied at 1-1 after 5 ? innings against the Texas A & M Aggies, Mizzou gave up five runs in the bottom of the sixth to drop the game, 6-1. The game was the Tiger's penultimate contest of the regular season. Head coach Jay Miller said the Tigers need to get their offensive problems cured in a hurry before the upcoming Big 12 tournament.
"Our offensive effort was really disappointing this weekend," Miller said. "Ingrid pitched well for five innings but ran out of gas and we didn't give her much support. We have an opportunity to make a statement at the Big 12 tournament this weekend but we need to get the bats going if we want to compete with a quality offensive team like Iowa State."
Junior Ingrid Werner got the starting nod for Mizzou and held the Aggie offense in check despite walking four and giving up three hits through three innings as the two teams played to a scoreless tie through three frames. The Tigers threatened in the top of the third when senior Heather Allister singled to left and junior Sara Vassmer recorded a bunt single advancing her hit streak to 11 games. However, with two on, Aggie starter Jessica Slataper would retire the next two Tiger batters via the strikeout to end the inning.
The Aggies had their chances as well leaving seven on base in the first three frames and would finally break through off of Werner when second baseman Lisa Klam doubled to right field scoring Crystal Martin to give TAMU a 1-0 lead. Mizzou would respond in the top of the sixth inning. Junior Melanie Fisher doubled off of the right field wall driving in Vassmer, who had reached earlier in the inning on an error and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Morgan LeCluyse, as Mizzou tied the game at 1-1.
The bottom of the sixth would spell disaster as the Aggies sprang for five runs on five hits and two walks to run to a 6-1 lead. Werner was excellent through the first five innings though her final line didn't show it as she dropped to 10-13 on the year. The Tigers offense struggled recording only seven hits and one run in the two weekend losses to the Aggies. Four different Tigers recorded hits on the day.
Mizzou finishes the regular season with a 29-32 overall mark and a 4-14 record in the Big 12. They now turn their attention to the Big 12 tournament that starts on Thursday in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Tigers will be the No. 9-seed and will play No. 8-seed Iowa State with first pitch set for 5 pm. If the Tigers can get a victory in the play-in game, they will take on Big 12 regular season champions Texas at 7:30 pm. For more information on Missouri softball, log on to www.mutigers.com.