COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Mizzou Softball (18-12, 1-3 SEC) bounced back nicely on Saturday afternoon, evening the weekend series at No. 7 Texas A&M with a 5-1 victory. The Tigers' triumph marked their first Southeastern Conference win this season.
Saturday's win also established Mizzou's third top 25 ranked victory of the year, including its second over a top 10 opponent. Senior RHP Cheyenne Baxter (Norborne, Mo.) was magnificent in the circle, posting her third complete game victory of the season. Overall, Baxter scattered five hits over 7.0 IP, while allowing only one earned run and zero walks.
The senior Tiger hurler has been outstanding in SEC play thus far. In Baxter's two starts, at No. 1 Florida (March 12) and at No. 7 Texas A&M this afternoon, she has allowed just two earned runs over 13.0 IP while limiting batters to a .204 average.
Mizzou put pressure on the Aggies immediately, scoring three runs in its opening at bat. Senior Kirsten Mack (Riverside, Calif.) and redshirt junior Anna Reed (Lonedell, Mo.) delivered the big blows with run-producing hits.
The Tigers built their early advantage to 4-0 in the second inning, following senior Natalie Fleming's (Silex, Mo.) RBI ground out. Texas A&M went to the bullpen in the third inning and its reliever shut down Mizzou's lineup the next three frames.
Sophomore Rylee Pierce (Visalia, Calif.) finally broke through in the sixth inning, as she launched her fourth home run of the year. The key insurance run was more than enough for Baxter, as she cruised through the final half of the game. Beginning with the final two outs in the second inning, Baxter retired 11 consecutive Aggies hitters at one point.
Sophomore Regan Nash (Camden Point, Mo.) was productive at the plate and on the basepaths Saturday, recording her fourth multi-hit game and team-leading 10th stolen base this year.
Hear From the Tigers
Baxter on her mindset and execution today…
 "After getting up early by three runs, I wanted to go in and shut their offense down. The game plan for me was to keep the batters guessing by mixing up all my pitches in all locations. I just tried to spin the ball and let my defense make plays behind me."
Nash on serving as the Tigers' table-setter today…
 "My approach has just been to play loose and to attack early in the count. I told myself the first flat pitch I saw I was going to pound it into the ground."
Up Next
Mizzou and No. 7 Texas A&M will meet in its three-game series finale on Sunday, March 26. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. (CT) and the matchup will broadcast live on ESPNU.
Three days later, the Tigers travel to Wichita State for a mid-week doubleheader on Wednesday, March 29. Game one between Mizzou and the Shockers is set for 4 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).
