April 20, 2005
Columbia, Mo. - Ranked 18th in the nation, the Missouri softball team split its two-game series with No. 4 Texas (32-7, 7-3) after falling 1-0 today on University Field. The Tigers managed two hits off of U.S. Olympic gold medalist Cat Osterman, but gave up a solo home run in the third inning and now stand 32-8 on the season and 6-5 in Big 12 Conference action.
Redshirt freshman Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas) was the first Tiger to swat a hit off of the hot hand of Osterman. Minner pounded a two-out double down the right field line in the bottom of the first inning, but was stranded on second after MU starting pitcher Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.) struck out swinging. Senior shortstop Heather Kunkel (Oak Forest, Ill.) was the only other Tiger to rip a hit off of Osterman. Leading off for MU in the second inning, Kunkel punched a single to right field to reach first, but was thrown out at second on an attempted steal. Altogether, Missouri was 3-4 on stolen bases in today's game and 4-6 in the two-game series with UT.
Making her 16th start on the mound, Bruck held the Longhorns hitless through two innings before giving up a one-out, third inning shot over the fence in right center for the eventual win. Bruck helped shutdown the inning by striking out first baseman Alexis Garcia and forcing a ground out to Kunkel by MicKayla Padilla.
Sophomore reliever Erica Peterson (Irving, Texas) entered the game with two outs and two on in the top of the fifth inning. With pinch hitter Jaclyn Daniels at the plate, the southpaw pitcher sent the Longhorns back to the dugout after Daniels went down looking.
Pitching ace Erin Kalka (Chandler, Okla.) came in and twirled the final inning of action against UT. Facing four batters, Kalka gave up one walk, a fielder's choice and two fly balls to end the inning.
Playing strong defense, sophomore centerfielder Leanne Bowers (Arnold, Mo.) came up with a huge save in the top of the fourth inning to deny Texas a second run. With two outs and a runner (Chez Sievers) on second, designated player Williams singled to centerfield sending Sievers sprinting for home. Bowers played the ball on a short hop and fired a throw to Masterson who tagged the UT second baseman out at the plate.
"This was comparable to a super regional or world series type battle between these two teams," Head Coach Ty Singleton said. "It was great to have the crowd behind us and it made for a fun series. We played a top-five program and split with them. I'm excited about the win, but also disappointed with the loss."
Missouri will close out its five game home stand with a doubleheader, Wednesday, April 20, against Indiana beginning at 4 p.m. (CT) on University Field. Game two is slated for a 6 p.m. (CT) start. Both games will be broadcast live on KCOU (88.1 FM) and live stats will be provided at www.mutigers.com