March 7, 2006
Columbia, Mo. - Playing game two of a home opening doubleheader against Truman State, the Missouri softball team improved to 10-7 on the season after holding down the Bulldogs, 3-1, at University Field. Today's doubleheader marked the first meeting between the two teams and Missouri swept the series, outscoring the Bulldogs, 13-8, in front of 329 fans.
Outfielder Leanne Bowers led off with her 25th career opening game hit in Missouri's second game of the day against the Bulldogs. A double to left center, Bowers stole third and advanced home on Tiger starting pitcher Jen Bruck's (St. Peters, Mo.) groundout to Bulldog shortstop Jessie Shelman. The swipe was Bowers' fourth successful steal of the season and makes her four-of-five on her junior campaign.
Leading off the bottom of the third inning, Bruck launched her first home run of the season over the wall in right field. The crush was Missouri's 15th of the season and the 16th of Bruck's career, moving her to sixth in the Missouri home run career record book. This marked the second straight game that a Tiger leadoff hitter came through with a home run. Junior catcher Kathy Masterson (St. Louis, Mo.) ripped a fifth inning homer in Missouri's first game of the doubleheader.
Truman State scored one run in the top of the fourth. Shelman tripled to right field bringing up designated played Loni Wedemeier who drew a walk. Wedemeier attempt to steal second but was tagged out, allowing Shelman time to run home.
Not to be outdone, Missouri came back with one run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Batting leadoff redshirt sophomore Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas) drew four balls to reach first and freshman pinch runner Amy Henke (Florissant, Mo.) came in to relieve the outfielder. Henke stole second and advanced home on sophomore Amanda Renth's (Mascoutah, Ill.) double to deep left field.
The Tigers continue their homestand this weekend by hosting the annual Tiger Invitational beginning Friday, March 10. Missouri opens the three-day tournament with a 4 p.m. game against Drake.