#13 @MizzouSoftball Earns Run-Rule Victory in Season Opener, 8-0

Friday, February 19

Kissimmee, Fla.

12:15 PM

University of Missouri

1-0

Jacksonville State

2-3

Mizzou

Jacksonville State

#13 @MizzouSoftball Earns Run-Rule Victory in Season Opener, 8-0

2/19/2016 2:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Pierce's 3-run shot in the fourth inning keys Tigers' win

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Mizzou Softball picked up an 8-0 season opening victory over Jacksonville State on Friday at the ESPN Sports Complex. The win marked the Tigers' eighth consecutive opening day triumph (2009-16).

The Tigers (1-0) were led by a strong performance in the circle by sophomore LHP Paige Lowary (Dallas Center, Iowa) and big days at the plate from freshman 1B Rylee Pierce (Visalia, Calif.) and senior OF Taylor Gadbois (Maryville, Mo.)

Redshirt senior SS Sami Fagan (Dunnellon, Fla.) put the Tigers on top early with a first inning solo home run. Lowary overpowered the Gamecocks' hitters from the get-go, tallying four strikeouts through her first two innings pitched.

Both starting pitchers settled in nicely heading to the fourth inning. After a pair of walks in the top half of the frame, Pierce launched her first career home run to left field. A pair of RBIs from junior C Kirsten Mack (Riverside, Calif.) and sophomore 3B Amanda Sanchez (West Covina, Calif.) concluded a six-run fourth inning for Mizzou.

Gadbois drove in Mizzou's final runner of the afternoon in the fifth inning, earning her second RBI of the game. Junior RHP Cheyenne Baxter (Norborne, Mo.) came on in relief and pitched a scoreless inning to close out the Tigers' opening day triumph.

KEY MOMENT

The Tigers held on to a slim 1-0 advantage heading into the fourth inning. Following consecutive walks, Pierce delivered a towering 3-run home run over the left field fence to give Mizzou its first comfortable lead of the game.

TOP TIGERS

Gadbois: 2-for-3, 1 R, 2 RBI
Pierce: 2-for-3, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI
Lowary: (W) 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

UP NEXT

Mizzou concludes its first day at the Citrus Classic with a 4:45 p.m. (CT) matchup against Elon. The Tigers return to action on Feb. 20 with two more games. First, Mizzou meets UAB at 2:30 p.m. (CT) followed by a contest against College of Charleston at 4:45 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).