COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball (27-19, 5-10 SEC) fell 4-2 to visiting No. 20 Kentucky on Friday evening inside Mizzou Softball Stadium. The Tigers dropped their first Southeastern Conference Friday series opener with senior Cheyenne Baxter (Norborne, Mo.) in the circle, despite her only allowing two earned runs over six strong innings.
The visiting Wildcats tallied a pair of runs in the second and fifth innings, both on misplays by Mizzou outfielders. In the top half of the second, Kentucky hit a shallow ball to centerfield with two outs and the Mizzou defender's diving attempt came up short, allowing two runners to cross the plate.
Another two-out mistake in the outfield cost Mizzou in the fifth inning, as the Tigers' right fielder misplayed a potential frame-ending fly ball.
While Kentucky certainly took advantage of the opposition's miscues, the Tigers also failed to capitalize on their opportunities at the plate. Mizzou left seven total runners on base, including a pair of runners each in the third and fifth innings.
Despite the frustration at the plate, the Tigers still had a chance to even the score at four apiece in their final at bat. Senior Kirsten Mack's (Riverside, Calif.) RBI double down the right field line brought the potential tying run to the plate, but Kentucky's Meagan Prince secured her team's win by inducing a game-ending fly out.
Mack's seventh inning double secured her team-leading 16th multi-hit effort this year. Her first hit of the night - a fifth inning single – extended her current career high safely reached base streak to 23 consecutive games. The sensational streak now ranks tied for eighth longest in program history.
Sophomore Rylee Pierce (Visalia, Calif.) and freshman Gabby Garrison (Missouri City, Texas) also shined at the plate Friday evening for Mizzou despite the loss. Pierce matched her single-season career high in home runs (eight) with a solo blast in the sixth inning. Garrison extended her career high hitting streak to seven games after producing an infield single in the third inning.
Hear From the Tigers
Pierce on tonight's performance…
"It was frustrating. We know we made some mistakes that we normally don't make. That was the difference in the ballgame. We know we can improve though and continue to get better on the little things. There's still a lot in front of us this weekend."
Up Next
This weekend's SEC series continues on Saturday, April 22, inside Mizzou Softball Stadium. The Tigers and Wildcats are scheduled for a 2 p.m. CT first pitch. Fans can tune-in 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).
