March 1, 2010

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Missouri sophomore Chelsea Thomas has been named the 2010 NFCA Leadoff Classic Most Valuable Pitcher for her efforts in this past weekend's tournament.

Thomas pitched in three of Mizzou's five games, getting two starts and one relief appearance.  She finished the weekend with a perfect 3-0 record and a 2.67 ERA, while pitching two complete games in the process.  In 21.0 innings pitched, Thomas struck out 26 batters and walked just one.  Her lone walk of the weekend came against No. 4 Michigan in the second inning, giving her a streak of 19 straight walk-less innings to end the tournament.

On the season, the Pleasantville, Iowa, native has posted a record of 6-1 and a 3.08 ERA in seven appearances.  She has struck out 57 hitters while walking just 10 in 38.2 innings pitched.

Missouri finished the NFCA Leadoff Classic as one of two teams with a perfect 5-0 record.  The other undefeated team, Illinois, was crowned champions due to their greater run-differential.  Mizzou is now 8-2 on the season.

The Tigers will look to extend their six-game winning streak this Wednesday when they take on SIU-Edwardsville in a doubleheader.  Game one is set to begin at 2 p.m. CT.  Live stats will be provided at mutigers.com