April 16, 2008
Columbia, Mo.-For the second time in three games, sophomore Meredith Nash (Peculiar, Mo.) delivered the game-winning double that helped Missouri to a two-game sweep of Kansas in the doubleheader played on University Field. Winning game one, 7-2, the Tigers and Jayhawks were forced into extra innings for game two, with Nash's one run double in the eighth securing the 6-5 win. Missouri, now 39-12 overall, improves to 6-4 in the conference, breaking the three-way tie with Kansas and Texas to stand alone at third in the Big 12 league. Kansas falls to 30-13 overall and 4-6 in conference play.
Senior Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.) was credited with both of the Tigers' wins over Kansas and moves to 14-6 on the season. Bruck has earned the win in Missouri's last five games dating back to April 9 when the Tiger pitcher entered game two against Saint Louis in relief. In her last five outings, Bruck has thrown 23.2 innings and allowed only five earned runs.
First baseman Amanda Renth (Mascoutah, Ill.) increased her hitting streak to 10 games and smacked the 15th home run of her senior campaign in game one against the Jayhawks. Renth's home run streak of seven homers in six games, came to an end after the Tiger failed to go yard in game No. 2 for the first time since her April 5 start against then-No. 11 Oklahoma. Renth's 15 home runs are a career best for the Missouri infielder and lead the 20-member squad.
The nation's leader in stolen bases, freshman Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.) extended her lead over Alabama's Brittany Rogers (43) finishing the two-game series a perfect 3-of-3 on the base paths. Taylor stands second in the Missouri single season home run record book with 45, second only to Julie Link, who set the record, 46, in 1988.
Missouri scattered six hits in game one against Kansas, with junior Andee Allen's (Barnhart, Mo.) third inning, two out double to left field pushing across two runs. Allen leads the team in doubles (12) and has hit four in conference play.
Improving to 2-1 in extra inning games, Missouri broke the 5-5 tie of game two in the eighth on Nash's second career double. Rightfielder Shana White (Columbia, Mo.) reached base with two outs on a throwing error and took second on the Kansas miscue. Nash entered the game pinch hitting for catcher Megan Christopher, dropping the ball gently in left field for the win.
With the sweep of the Jayhawks, the Missouri softball team helped the Tigers pull ahead in the Border Showdown, 18-10. In addition, Missouri has now won four of its last five games against Kansas.
Missouri will travel to Austin, Texas for a two-game series beginning Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. (CT).