April 2, 2006
Columbia, Mo. - Playing game two of a Big 12 series against No. 20 Baylor, the Missouri softball team managed only one run off six hits to fall 11-1 in five innings to the Bears on University Field. The loss drops the Tigers to 18-15 on the season and 2-2 in Conference action, while Baylor improves to 22-14 and 4-2. Baylor shut out Missouri in Saturday's game, 7-0.
The Bears got on the board early, scoring eight runs off four hits in the top of the first. Starting Missouri pitcher Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.) gave up two walks and hit one batter in the inning, while catcher Alyson Tobyne (Gilbert, Ariz.) was credited with a passed ball to help score one of Baylor's runs. With two outs on the board and the bases loaded, the Bears cycled through their lineup and leadoff batter Kelly Osburne hit a grand slam to right field lifting Baylor to an 8-0 lead.
Held hitless through two innings, Bruck managed a two-out single in the bottom of the third to start Missouri's rally. Redshirt sophomore Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas) followed with an 0-2 single up the middle advancing Bruck to second. Designated player Amanda Renth (Mascoutah, Ill.) was credited with her 25th RBI of the season as she drove in Bruck with a standup double to the wall in left field. Minner was tagged at the plate on her attempt to run home bringing the inning to an end.
The Bears, who lead the Big 12 in conference game pitching, held Missouri to only six hits on the day. Minner, 2-for-3 at the plate, hit singles in the third and fifth innings and currently leads the team with 36 hits on the season.
Missouri will spend the week preparing for its two-game series against No. 1 Texas. Both games will begin at 1 p.m. (CST) in Austin Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8.