No. 15 Mizzou Softball Comes Back, Falls in Seventh to No. 4 Florida

Friday, May 14

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

3 p.m. CT

University of Missouri

38-15

Florida

42-8

Missouri

Florida

No. 15 Mizzou Softball Comes Back, Falls in Seventh to No. 4 Florida

5/14/2021 8:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – No. 15 Mizzou Softball fell in another heartbreaker to No. 4 Florida. The Tigers trailed 5-1 entering the sixth and took the lead by scoring one in the sixth and four in the seventh. Ultimately, the Gators would score two in the bottom of the seventh to advance to the SEC Final by a score of 7-6.

The Tigers took the lead right off the bat in the top of the first. Brooke Wilmes and Jenna Laird led off the game with a pair of singles. After Wilmes moved over to third, Casidy Chaumont brought her in with an RBI groundout.

In the top of the second, Mizzou had a chance to add on to the lead. Cayla Kessinger led off with a single, but a double play cleared the bases. The Tigers drew a pair of two out walks to threaten, but they were left stranded.

Florida was able to tie it up in the bottom of the second. A one out single and a double put runners on second and third before another single scored one. Mizzou was able to prevent any further damage by cutting down a runner at home on a fielder's choice to Kimberly Wert.

Mizzou loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the third, but the Tigers were unable to regain the lead.

Florida was able to capitalize in the bottom of the third. After an 0-2 single with one out, the Gators took the lead on a two-run home run to left center. Laurin Krings entered and struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth, the Tigers were again able to get a runner on third with two outs. Missouri was not able to capitalize in this instance, leaving the runner stranded.

Florida added to the lead in the bottom of the fifth. A one-out double to left field scored a runner on first that reached after being hit by a pitch. The runner reached third on the play, which was held up after being reviewed. The runner was held at third on a groundout, but a double steal allowed her to score. The Gators led 5-1 after the fifth.

TURNING POINT

Mizzou manufactured a comeback in the late innings, starting with two outs in the sixth. Kendyll Bailey drove a 1-0 pitch well over the left field wall to take a run back for the Tigers.

Trailing 5-2 in the seventh with two outs and no baserunners, Missouri began the comeback. Casidy Chaumont was at the plate, down to her last strike, and roped a line drive over the center fielder for a double. Kimberly Wert drew a walk after a 2-2 count. Cayla Kessinger roped a single up the middle to grab a run for Mizzou to make it 5-3.

Florida decided to make a pitching change before Emma Raabe came up to the plate. Raabe proved to be up for the challenge. Again, down to the final strike, she drove one over the left center field wall to give Mizzou a 6-5 lead.

Florida put pressure on Mizzou right away with a leadoff walk and a hit batter. A groundout moved the runners over to second and third to put the winning run in scoring position. The next batter sent a line drive into left field for a sacrifice fly. The throw home to catch the runner was just offline, but nearly ended the game. With two outs and a runner on third, Florida was able to walk off on an error, taking the game by a score of 7-6.

TOP TIGERS

Emma Raabe provided some late-game heroics for Mizzou, blasting a three-run home run over the left-center field wall in the top of the seventh.

Kendyll Bailey smashed her seventh home run of the season in the sixth to start the rally for the Tigers. She reached base three times, also drawing two walks.

Cayla Kessinger went 2-for-3 on the afternoon with a pair of singles and an RBI.