April 28, 2007
Columbia, Mo. - In a game that saw three lead changes, the No. 21 Missouri softball team (36-19, 12-2) scored four runs on two home runs, to hold off No. 8 Baylor (42-12, 11-3), 4-3, at Getterman Stadium in Waco, Texas. Junior pitcher Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.) was credited with the win (18-6), while freshman lefty Jana Hainey (Raymore, Mo.) earned her first save of the season.
Baylor took the early 2-0 lead scoring both runs, unearned, in the bottom of the first inning. A throwing error by Bruck allowed the Bears their first run, while Ashley Monceaux scored run number two on Alex Colyer's single to shortstop.
Doing what she could to make up for her defensive blunder; Bruck took her first turn at the plate in the top of the second and crushed a two run homer to tie the game. Earlier in the inning, senior Sarah Stringer (Auxvasse, Mo.) led off with a double to deep left field. Bruck scored two of Missouri's four runs on the day, the second coming in the top of the fourth on senior Alli Kennewell's second homer of the season. Kennewell's crush deep over the center field wall was the fifth of her career and erased Baylor's one run lead which they gained on a solo home run by Brette Reagan in the third frame.
Both Missouri and Baylor went to their bullpen to finish out the game. Baylor's Lisa Ferguson was the first to leave the game. After throwing three and two-thirds innings, and allowing four runs on seven hits, Kristen Shortridge entered the game in relief. For Missouri, Bruck threw five complete innings, allowing only one earned run on seven hits before Hainey entered in the sixth. Hainey struck out two of the Bears she faced.
With the win, Missouri regains its lead in the race for the Big 12 Conference Championship title.
Game two of the Big 12 series will begin at 1p.m. (CT) Sunday, April 29 at Getterman Stadium.