University of Missouri
Illinois
No. 16 Mizzou Splits Doubleheader vs. Illinois
3/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 26, 2014
COLUMBIA, Mo. - No. 16 Mizzou Softball split its doubleheader with Illinois in cold and windy conditions at Lindenwood University on Wednesday, yielding the first game, 3-0, before scoring plenty of runs in a 9-6 victory in the night cap. Head coach Ehren Earleywine's squad (23-8) was led in the doubleheader by junior 3B/C Angela Randazzo (Poway, Calif.), who batted 4-for-6 (.667) with one double and two RBI.
Following up Randazzo at the plate were redshirt sophomore SS Sami Fagan (Dunnellon, Fla.) and redshirt sophomore OF Taylor Gadbois (Blue Springs, Mo.), who both hit 3-for-7 (.429) during the two games against the Fighting Illini. Gadbois recorded a hit in both games to continue her program-best hitting streak to 27 games.
Action picked up for the Tigers in the fourth and fifth innings of Game Two action vs. Illinois. Trailing 3-0 from runs UI put up in the second, Mizzou tied the game by first loading the bases. Fagan and Randazzo singled, with senior OF Mackenzie Sykes (Blue Springs, Mo.) following with a walk. A groundout by freshman 3B/2B Natalie Fleming (Silex, Mo.) brought in Fagan, while Randazzo and Sykes were brought in by a two-out single up the middle by junior IF Corrin Genovese (East Amherst, N.Y.).
Mizzou took control of the game with a domiant fifth inning, scoring six runs with two outs for a 9-4 advantage. None were more impressive than Fleming's, an inside-the-park home run after a hard hit ball into right field. The four-bagger scored Sykes, who previously doubled to bring Randazzo all the way around from first base. Randazzo got on base with a two-RBI single through the right side. Randazzo batted 3-for-3 in the second game.
The fifth inning began with a two-out double to left field by Gadbois, continuing her streak at the plate in the process. Fagan singled her home with a sharp knock to right field for the first run of the inning.
Freshman P/OF/1B Casey Stangel (Couer d'Alene, Idaho) pitched the complete game, striking out a season-best six while allowing 11 hits and five earned runs. The Fighting Illini added runs in the sixth and seventh innings to set the final score of 9-6.
Mizzou yielded the initial game to the Fighting Illini after being unable to come up with timely hits in scoring situations. The Tigers left six runners on the base paths during the low-scoring contest, including three Mizzou runners unable to make it home from third base.
The Game One setback included a 2-for-3 batting performance by Gadbois to extend her hitting streak.
Illinois put a tough loss on freshman P Tori Finucane (Germantown, Md.), who allowed just one earned run in her 7.0-inning appearance, striking out eight batters.
Mizzou returns to University Field for more Southeastern Conference action with No. 13 Georgia from Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30. Game time for the series opener is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
