FULLERTON, Calif. – No. 14 Mizzou Softball opened play at the Judi Garman Tournament on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday and split its opening two games. The Tigers suffered their first shutout loss of the season vs. No. 2 Michigan, 13-0, but rebounded nicely in their finale with an 8-3 victory over San Jose State.
Mizzou struggled with consistency in the circle against Michigan, issuing nine walks and hitting three batters. The Wolverines took full advantage of the free passes, scoring five runs in the second inning and seven runs in the fourth inning to build a commanding lead.
The Tigers' hitters managed only three hits against the Wolverines' starting pitcher. Freshman OF Regan Nash (Camden Point, Mo.), freshman 1B Rylee Pierce (Visalia, Calif.) and junior C Kirsten Mack (Riverside, Calif.) all tallied a hit despite the loss.
Mizzou got a better all-around performance in game two against San Jose State, producing eight runs on seven hits en route to the victory. Freshman RHP Danielle Baumgartner (Mexico, Mo.) improved to 5-1 this season after allowing one earned run in 4.0 innings. Baumgartner continues to shine for the Tigers as she has allowed one earned run or fewer in all four starts this season.
Seven Tigers recorded a hit against San Jose State, including redshirt senior OF Taylor Gadbois' (Maryville, Mo.) first career triple. Junior UT Chloe Rathburn (Mission Viejo, Calif.) and junior 2B Natalie Fleming (Silex, Mo.) tallied multi-RBI games to pace Mizzou's run-producing attack.
KEY MOMENT (GAME 1)
The game was scoreless heading to the second inning but Michigan used four walks and two hits to push five across the plate. Michigan added seven more runs in the fourth inning on only three hits to put the game out of reach.
TOP TIGERS
- Nash: 1-for-2
- Pierce: 1-for-3
- Mack: 1-for-1
KEY MOMENT (GAME 2)
The Tigers jumped on the scoreboard immediately, producing five runs on four hits in the first inning. Pierce ripped an RBI single and two batters later Rathburn drove in a pair with a base hit. Mizzou held onto a four-run lead entering the sixth inning and sealed its win with three additional runs in the frame.
TOP TIGERS
- Baumgartner: (W, 5-1) 4.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB
- Rathburn: 1-for-1, R, 2 RBI, SB
- Fleming: 1-for-2, R, 2 RBI, SB
UP NEXT
Mizzou continues play at the Judi Garman Tournament with one game on Friday, March 4. The Tigers will play California at 4:30 p.m. (CT). Mizzou wraps up its west coast trip on Saturday, March 5, with two final games. First, the Tigers square off against No. 17 Arizona State at 7:30 p.m. (CT) followed by a matchup against No. 24 Baylor at 10 p.m. (CT).
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Softball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (University of Missouri Softball Team) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoftball).