April 7, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Freshman pitcher Tori Finucane (Germantown, Md.) claimed her first Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week honor, the league office announced Monday, after an impressive showing at Mississippi State this past weekend. The Tiger pitcher shut down the Bulldogs with an impressive 16 strikeouts over 14.0 innings of work, going 2-0 in her two starts with one run allowed.

Finucane powered past her previous career-high of nine strikeouts, which she had accomplished three times this season, with 12 strikeouts in the 6-0 shutout of MSU on Friday, April 4. The complete game shutout, her fourth of 2014, was another notable outing, as she issued zero walks and allowed just two hits.

The Bulldogs were kept at bay in Finucane's second win of the weekend, the night cap of the doubleheader on Saturday, April 5. Pitching complete games in consecutive days, Finucane allowed just one run in the 8-1 win and series clincher, striking out four batters and issuing two walks.

Finucane's 12 strikeouts on April 4 were the most for a Mizzou pitcher since April 19, 2013, when former Tiger ace and three-time All-American Chelsea Thomas struck out 13 batters at LSU.

Fans can next catch head coach Ehren Earleywine's squad in action on Wednesday, April 9, as the Tigers host Western Illinois for a doubleheader at University Field. Games are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. starts.

For updates on Mizzou Softball, continue to check MUTigers.com and the team's Twitter, @MizzouSoftball.