May 13, 2004
Oklahoma City, Okla. - After a lightning delay postponed Missouri's first softball game of the Big 12 Conference Championships for 20 minutes, the Tigers reentered field two of ASA Hall of Fame Stadium to defeat Oklahoma State 4-3 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The win brings Missouri's overall record to 27-23, while Oklahoma State drops to an even 27-27.
Getting things started for the Tigers, senior outfielder Morgan LeCluyse hit a single to left field with a full count and two outs in the first. Keeping the inning alive, freshmen A.J. White and Alli Kennewell were both walked, allowing junior shortstop Heather Kunkel to take the plate with the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, Kunkel found the pitch she was looking for, singling to center field and allowing LeCluyse to score the first run of the game.
Missouri added two runs to their total in the bottom of the second inning as freshman first baseman Joanne Loethen hit her fourth double of the season to left field. Returning to the top of the MU lineup, freshman Leanne Bowers was hit by a pitch by OSU freshman pitcher Jessica Hoppock. With two runners on base, LeCluyse had her second at bat and again with a 2-2 count, she singled to left field, pushing Loethen and Bowers to third and second respectively. The Tigers loaded the bases for the second time in the contest, providing White with the opportunity to drive home a run. Hitting the ball to deep left center, White singled and Loethen and Bowers touched home bringing the score to 3-0.
The Tigers played strong defense, holding the Cowgirls to no runs through three innings. Oklahoma State scored its first run in the top of the fourth as catcher Courtney Totte tripled off of junior pitcher Erin Kalka and they scored on a sacrifice bunt by outfielder Megan Carey. With two outs on the board, OSU's turn at bat came to an end as designated player Jade Lindly failed to touch second base on her way to third.
Oklahoma State managed to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning, scoring back-to-back solo homeruns in their leadoff and second at bat. Right-handed Missouri pitcher Kalka remained on the mound through six innings of action striking out five batters before giving up the first homerun to Lindly. Lefty freshman Erica Peterson was handed the ball with no outs and a 3-2 Missouri game lead. After giving up a homerun to right field to shortstop Stephanie Nicholson, Peterson struck out her next two batters swinging.
Tied at three a piece, leadoff hitter White ripped her sixth double of the season and second hit of the game. Junior Ashley Hays came in to pinch run and advanced to third after freshman Alli Kenewell laid down a sacrifice bunt. Kunkel stepped to the plate for her third at bat and offered up a sacrifice fly to centerfield that brought Hays in for the game-winning run. The win is Missouri's eighth of the season by one run.
"I'm really pleased with way the team swung the bats," Head Coach Ty Singleton said. "The girls had great execution to win game."
Now at 270 strikeouts on the season, Kalka moved into second on the Missouri single season strikeout chart, jumping ahead of Stephanie Falk's mark of 268 strikeouts in 2000. The win by Peterson brings her record to 2-2.
Missouri advances to the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Softball Championships tonight at 8 p.m, (CT) against No. 23 Texas A&M on the main field four of ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. Earlier in the season, Missouri lost 2-0 to the Aggies in College Station, with game two rained out on April 25.