TEMPE, Ariz. – Mizzou Softball started out its opening weekend in top form, going 2-0 in its first two games of the Kajikawa Classic. The Tigers put on a show on opening day, beating Utah 9-0, courtesy of a complete game shutout from senior P Madi Norman, followed by an 8-0 upset of No. 12 Arizona State in just five innings courtesy of sophomore P Cassie Gasper's complete game shutout.
Freshman Geana Torres stole the show at the plate today, going a perfect 2-2 in what was her Mizzou debut, including a grand slam against Arizona State in the first inning.
Top Tigers – Utah
- Senior 1B Kolby Romaine was a monster at the plate, going 2-3, including a solo shot in the fifth inning. Romaine also doubled in the first inning, registering the first hit of the season for Mizzou.
- Romaine also led the team in runs scored, crossing home twice in her 2019 season debut.
- Sophomore 3B Kimberly Wert made her presence known in her Mizzou debut, hitting an absolute bomb of a home run in the third inning.
- Sophomore CF Callie Martin also had a productive game in her first action of the season, going 2-3 at the plate with two doubles and one run scored.
- The aforementioned Norman was excellent for Coach Anderson in the circle, throwing her first shutout since she blanked Western Illinois (4/25/18) last season.
- Norman also had six strikeouts, her most since she had six against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4/28/18) last season.
Turning Point - Utah
The Tigers were able to take control of the game in the third inning, pushing an early 1-0 lead out to 5-0 courtesy of fireworks from the strongest part of their lineup.
The scoring burst was started by an error from the Utes' right fielder, dropping a Romaine fly ball. The error would lead to two scored runs, as both Brooke Wilmes and Kendyll Bailey would score. Wert would follow it up with a home run, bringing in Romaine and giving the Tigers a comfortable lead. The Black & Gold would never look back.
Top Tigers – Arizona State
- Torres made the most of the second at-bat of her young career, blasting a grand slam in the first inning to give the Tigers an early lead.
- Martin launched a three run home run in the top of the third to effectively put the game out of reach.
- Gasper was excellent in her Mizzou debut, picking up her first win for the Black & Gold over the No. 12 team in the nation. Gasper also added three strikeouts.
Turning Point - Arizona State
This game started off with fireworks, as Mizzou got four quick runs in the first inning.
Torres, in just her second-ever at bat, hit a grand slam in the top of the first inning to give the Tigers an early cushion. Though Mizzou would add on another four runs, Torres' homer would give the Tigers the momentum and the lead for good.
Quoteables
"I know we hit it really well, but today was about more than that," Coach Anderson said. "We played with confidence, we communicated and our pitching was great. I am really pleased with this group, but it's important we don't buy into the hype. We still have a job to do here."
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