Mizzou Softball Claims Border War Against Kansas, 8-0

Thursday, February 13

Clearwater, Fla.

Noon CT

University of Missouri

6-0

Kansas

1-5

Kansas

Missouri

Mizzou Softball Claims Border War Against Kansas, 8-0

2/13/2020 4:20:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score

Kessinger hits second grand slam of the season as Tigers score eight runs in the second inning

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Back in Florida for the second time in as many weeks, Mizzou Softball picked up right where they left off. The Tigers (6-0) run-ruled Kansas, 8-0 in five innings, to win the Border War rivalry at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex.

Mizzou is off to the first 6-0 start since 2016, and has now run-ruled both Big 12 opponents it's faced.

Turning Point

Mizzou broke open a scoreless game with an eight-run inning in the bottom of the second to take control of the game. Kimberly Wert led off the inning with a double that reached the outfield fence. The junior crossed home plate on a two RBI single from freshman Emma Nichols to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

With the bases loaded, Brooke Wilmes hit a ground ball to Kansas' third baseman – who overthrew the catcher at the plate to bring Nichols and Imani Myint across the plate for two more runs.

With only one out and the bases loaded, Cayla Kessinger hit her second grand slam of the season – this one to right-center field to give Mizzou an 8-0 lead.

Top Tigers

Cayla Kessinger batted in four runs on a grand slam in the bottom of the second inning. She finished the day 1-for-2.
Despite pitching only 2.0 innings, freshman Jordan Weber struck out four batters on the day.
Megan Schumacher picked up the win, allowing only two hits in 3.0 innings of relief.
Emma Nichols batted in two runs, ending the day 1-for-2.

Notes

Cayla Kessinger hit her second home run of the season – both have been grand slams.
Mizzou scored eight runs despite only having four hits on the day. It's the fewest hits Mizzou has had in a run-rule victory since having five in an 8-0 win in five innings against Texas A&M last season (April 19).
The Tigers improve to 70-43 all-time against Kansas.
Mizzou has run-ruled both Big 12 opponents it has faced (Baylor, 9-0, Feb. 8).
The Tigers are 6-0 for the first time since 2016.

Quotable

"It's so cool to watch the (young pitchers) go out there and do their thing and succeed," Cayla Kessinger said. "They're going out there with no fear. They come out guns blazing and they aren't going to fear any hitter that's going to face them."

Up Next

Mizzou returns to action tomorrow with the second day of the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational. The Tigers will draw Liberty (1:30 p.m. CT) and No. 16 Oklahoma State (4:30 p.m. CT).

For the latest on Mizzou Softball, stay tuned at MUTigers.com or follow the program on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoftball) and Facebook (University of Missouri Softball Team).