@MizzouSoftball shuts out both Troy and Villanova on Day One of Citrus Blossom Classic

Friday, February 15

Orlando, Fla.

12:30 p.m.

University of Missouri

4-2

Troy

4-3

Missouri

Troy

@MizzouSoftball shuts out both Troy and Villanova on Day One of Citrus Blossom Classic

2/15/2019 8:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Madi Norman and Cassie Gasper Throw Back-to-Back Complete Game Shutouts

ORLANDO, Fla. – Mizzou Softball got off to another hot start, shutting out both Troy and Villanova, 6-0 in six innings and 7-0, respectively. Senior P Madi Norman started in the circle for the Tigers in game one and had another great outing, carrying a no hitter into the sixth inning and finishing with her second complete game shutout this season. Freshman DP Geana Torres went 2-4 against Troy with back-to-back home runs and three RBI. Sophomore P Cassie Gasper picked up her second win of the season in the circle, going the distance in game two against Villanova. Sophomore CF Callie Martin went 2-2 at the plate against Villanova with two RBI.

TOP TIGERS – Game One

Sophomore SS Brooke Wilmes went 3-4 with one RBI, tying her career high in hits.
Senior LF Regan Nash went 3-4 at the plate, also tying her career high in hits.
Freshman DP Geana Torres went 2-4 at the plate with three RBIs, resetting career highs in home runs and hits, with two each.

TURNING POINT

The Tiger offense was once again keyed by Torres. After her five RBI on day one of the Kajikawa Classic, the freshman DP registered three on day one in Orlando. Mizzou already had a one run lead when she blasted her first home run in the top of the second. Her two-run bomb to left field put the score at 3-0. Torres would put the game away in the next inning, following up a Wilmes single that scored Delaney McDannold with a solo shot to center field.

For the second straight first day, Torres helped put the game out of reach early.

TOP TIGERS – Game Two

Martin was excellent at the plate, going 2-2, including a two-run moonshot to left field in the bottom of the fourth.
Gasper picked up her second straight complete game shutout in her second Mizzou start. She also had five strikeouts, a new career high.
Junior OF Gabby Garrison put her speed on display, tripling on what seemed like a base hit at best in the bottom of the fourth. She would score on a Hatti Moore single.

TURNING POINT

The Tigers had secured a 2-0 lead through the first inning, but the game would remain tight until the Tigers broke it wide open in the fourth inning.

It all started with Garrison's triple and Moore's single that would bring her in. With a three run lead and increased confidence, Martin crushed a home run that seemed like a routine fly-ball, but just kept carrying. What was once just a two score game turned into a five run lead for the Tigers.

QUOTEABLES

"The game becomes easier when you get pitching performances like we got today," Coach Anderson said. "It gives our defense confidence, and I think you saw that. Everyone will want to focus on the offense, but I am really proud of how our defense played today. The pitching was great, and the defense behind them was equally impressive."

UP NEXT

Mizzou will play both UMass and Iowa tomorrow, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT, respectively. Both games can be streamed on FloSoftball.

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).