Head Coach Ehren Earleywine's Missouri Softball team finished off the back end of a double-header sweep Friday evening at University Field, claiming a 7-0 win in the nightcap against State Fair Community College, which followed a 16-0 win in game one against Lakeland Community College.
The second game saw Mizzou jump out to a 5-0 lead after two innings and cruise from there with a lineup comprised of multiple newcomers. Freshman LF Cayla Kessinger set the tone right away with a leadoff double in the first, and she came home on a triple in the next at-bat by junior RF Anna Reed. With one out, Reed scored to make it 2-0 in favor of the Tigers on a single by freshman 2B Jolie Duffner.
Kessinger also started a three-run rally in the second inning that saw the Tigers extend the lead to 5-0. With two outs and the bases empty, Kessinger doubled to keep the inning alive. The next batter, Reed, walked, and that was followed by sophomore C Rylee Pierce's single to score Kessinger. On the play, Reed advanced to third on the throw home, and Pierce took off for second. The throw to second base from the catcher was wild into center field, allowing Reed to trot home from third, while Pierce scampered all the way home on the play that made it 5-0 Mizzou.
Sophomore RHP Madi Norman made her first appearance as a Tiger, and threw four scoreless innings. The Tipton, Mo. native who transferred to MU from Louisville, allowed two hits and struck out eight batters. She didn't allow a State Fair hit until the fourth inning. Sophomore RHP Danielle Baumgartner finished things off by adding three hitless innings, striking out five batters.
Mizzou will continue its fall schedule with an afternoon doubleheader next Friday (Oct. 14th) against Highland Community College at University Field. Game times are set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and admission is free.