COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball (23-16) improved to 4-0 this season in mid-week doubleheaders, following its two victories Tuesday (April 11) against Western Illinois inside Mizzou Softball Stadium. The Tigers claimed a 10-2 (6 inn.) victory in game one and tallied a thrilling seventh inning 6-5 walk-off win in game two.
Mizzou's offense was productive over tonight's doubleheader sweep, hitting .382 (21-for-55) with 16 runs scored, four doubles, 14 RBI and nine stolen bases. Sophomore Regan Nash (Camden Point, Mo.) and senior Natalie Fleming (Silex, Mo.) paved the way individually after recording multi-hit efforts in each game.
Fleming routinely provided big hits in both matchups, including a double, home run and team-best five RBI. Game two's heroics came courtesy of sophomore Kolby Romaine (Chino Hills, Calif.), as she tallied a walk-off two-run single in the bottom half of the seventh inning.
In game one, Mizzou came out swinging and posted multiple runs in each of the opening three innings. Senior Chloe Rathburn (Mission Viejo, Calif.) accounted for three RBI, matching her 2017 season single-game high. Fleming's three total RBI also matched her single-game best this year.
Senior Cheyenne Baxter (Norborne, Mo.) and freshman Parker Conrad (Winter Park, Fla.) combined to limit the Leathernecks to one earned run over six innings. Freshman Lexi Rampetsreiter (Lee's Summit, Mo.) and sophomore Raime Cohen (St. Louis, Mo.) delivered life-long memories in Tuesday's opening game, as they produced their first career hits in Mizzou black and gold.
In game two, the Tigers erased three separate deficits en route to their seventh come-from-behind victory of the season. Mizzou trailed 5-4 following a Western Illinois solo home run in the top of the seventh inning, but snuck out a win after Romaine's clutch hit in the bottom half.
Freshmen Cayla Kessinger (Saugus, Calif.) and Gabby Garrison (Missouri City, Texas) also tallied multi-hit games over the night, marking their third and second multi-hit efforts this year, respectively.
Hear From the Tigers
Fleming on her approach at the plate, leading to tonight's success…
"I just tried to be relaxed. I wanted to wait for my pitch and if it was there I'd hit it."
Head Coach Ehren Earleywine on Pierce filling in at catcher for the injured Mack…
"She did fine. I knew she would. She did a lot of catching in high school. This wasn't a big jump for her."
Up Next
Mizzou travels to No. 7 Auburn for a Southeastern Conference weekend series (April 14-16). The series opener between the two Tigers programs on Friday, April 14, is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
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).
