Feb. 28, 2009
San Diego, Calif. - Playing in its second extra inning game of the year, the 12th-ranked Missouri softball team suffered its first loss, 4-2, to San Diego State and now stands as 12-1 on the season and 2-1 at the San Diego Classic. Tied at two entering the eighth, the Aztecs tacked on two runs in the top of the frame, while Missouri was held scoreless by San Diego State pitcher Samantha Beasley.
Missouri used two come from behind efforts to send the game into extra innings. Down 1-0 entering the fifth, the Tigers returned to the top of the order where sophomore Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.) reached base on a one out fielding error by Aztec first baseman Monica Alnes. Known for her speed and aggressive base running, Taylor advanced to second on the throw and reached third on a fielding error that left senior two hole hitter Andee Allen (Barnhart, Mo.) safe at first. With the bases loaded, junior Julie Silver (Chesterfield, Mo.) reached base on balls, Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas) took her turn at the plate and was also walked, allowing Taylor to score while crediting Minner with the RBI.
San Diego State scored its second run in the top of the seventh, and the Tigers erased the Aztec advantage with Taylor's second run of the game. Leading off the inning, Taylor singled to short and stole second base. Taking third on Allen's sacrifice bunt, the 2008 All-American scored on Silver's triple to right center.
Freshman Chelsea Thomas (Pleasantville, Iowa) entered the game in the seventh, relieving senior Stacy Delaney (Freeland, Mich.). Thomas, now 5-1 on the year, was credited with the loss after allowing three runs on five hits in two innings. Delaney threw six innings, 96 pitches, and allowed one run on six hits. Together, the Tiger duo struck out five batters.
Missouri was held to only five hits and left 11 runners on base, five whom were stranded in scoring position.
The Tigers will turnaround and take on fourth-ranked UCLA at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 1, and San Diego at 1:30 p.m. (CT).