April 29, 2007
Columbia, Mo. - The eighth-ranked Missouri softball team (36-20, 12-3) split its third Big 12 series of the season after falling to No. 8 Baylor (43-12. 12-3), 3-0, at Getterman Stadium in Waco, Texas. With the loss, the two teams stand tied for first in the Big 12 Conference with a 12-3 record. Missouri, Baylor, No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas A&M are all still in contention for the Big 12 title with deciding games played throughout the upcoming week.
Similar to yesterday's outing, Baylor scored its first run on a throwing error by Tiger pitcher Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.). Bruck's overthrow to first allowed leadoff batter Alex Colyer to reach base and eventually score on Courtney Oberg's single through the right side. Leftfielder Tiffany Wesley scored on Miriam Romer's single up the middle. Baylor tacked on its third run in the bottom of the fourth.
The Tigers combined for only four hits on the day and failed to reach scoring position. Senior outfielder Leanne Bowers (Arnold, Mo.) reached first on a two out single in the top of the third and made an attempt to steal second, but was tagged at the base. All four of Missouri's hits were singles with two shots up the middle by redshirt junior Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas) and catcher Kathy Masterson (St. Louis, Mo.).
After throwing four complete innings and giving up two earned runs on eight hits, Bruck, (18-7) was relieved by freshman Jana Hainey (Raymore, Mo.). Hainey closed out the game and struck out only one batter. Hainey has thrown 22 innings in Big 12 play and has yet to allow an earned run.
The Tigers will return home to close out their regular season with a two-game series against Nebraska beginning Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m. (CT) on University Field. Missouri will recognize its six seniors Sunday, May 6 prior to the 1 p.m. first pitch.