@MizzouSoftball Tallies Two Wins Saturday Over No. 8 Auburn

Friday, April 13

Columbia, Mo.

4:30 pm

University of Missouri

23-21, 0

(#8) Auburn

36-9, 0

Auburn

Mizzou

@MizzouSoftball Tallies Two Wins Saturday Over No. 8 Auburn

4/14/2018 6:25:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Mizzou secures first Southeastern Conference series triumph this season

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball (24-21, 6-11 SEC) clinched its first Southeastern Conference series win in style Saturday, defeating No. 8 Auburn in back to back contests. The day started with concluding Friday evening's suspended game and Mizzou facing a 4-1 deficit heading to its final at bat.

Trenity Edwards delivered a game-tying pinch hit three-run home run, followed by a walk-off home run from Cayla Kessinger to send the Tiger faithful into a frenzy. Kessinger's two-out solo home run to left was her second of the day, marking her first career multi-home run contest.

In game two, Lauren Rice took control in the circle and posted her seventh complete game this year. The Morrison, Illinois, native's gem marked her third complete game victory in SEC play this season.

#ShowMe Top Performers (conclusion of Friday's suspended game)

Danielle Baumgartner: (W) 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 K
Kessinger: 2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
Edwards: 1-1, R, HR, 3 RBI

#ShowMe Top Performers (Saturday's originally scheduled game)

Rylee Pierce: 1-2, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Braxton Burnside: 1-3, 2 RBI
Brooke Wilmes: 1-2, 2B, RBI, BB
Rice: (W) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Hear From Coach Fogue

On Saturday's big pair of wins over Auburn…

"Wow. What a fun day at the ballpark for this squad and our fans. We talked about how we thought we're playing our best ball of the season as of late and we showed that again today over the two games. Auburn is a top 10 team for a reason with outstanding pitching and we once again battled our hearts out until the very end. We continue to get big moments from so many people. How about Trenity (Edwards) stepping up in the first game with a huge pinch hit home run to tie it up. Then Cayla (Kessinger) continues to perform well in conference play and delivers that walk-off. In the second game, Lauren (Rice) struggled a bit early, but really locked down at the end and was real impressive. Rylee (Pierce), Braxton (Burnside) and Brooke (Wilmes) all stepped up on offense with big run-producing hits. Just a great all-around effort today by our team."

#MIZ Takeaways

Mizzou secured its first SEC series victory with its pair of triumphs today over Auburn. Entering this weekend, the host Tigers had managed a single victory in each of their past three conference series.
With the series win already in-hand, Mizzou will earn its first series victory over a nationally ranked top 10 opponent since March 31 – April 2, 2017, a season ago against No. 9 Alabama in Columbia, Missouri.
Kessinger's walk-off home run in Saturday's first game was the Tigers' second this season, joining Kolby Romaine's game winner at home versus Southeastern Louisiana (March 3).
Kessinger now sits with eight home runs this year, following Saturday's pair of long balls. She has officially reset her single-season career-high in home runs, as she recorded six during her 2017 freshman campaign.
Five of Kessinger's eight home runs this season have occurred in SEC play, as she continues to produce an All-Conference caliber campaign. Following Saturday's contests, the Saugus, California, native is hitting .353 with nine runs scored, four doubles, five home runs, seven RBI, .725 SLG% and 1.125 OPS over 14 SEC matchups this year.
Pierce also continues to be a consistent force in conference play, hitting .340 with nine runs scored, three doubles, two home runs, seven RBI and a .953 OPS over 17 SEC contests this season.

Up Next

Mizzou and No. 8 Auburn conclude their weekend series Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for noon CT. Fans unable to make the trip to Mizzou Softball Stadium 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).