In what felt like another must-win following an 8-0 run-rule loss against ranked Georgia, Mizzou Softball got back into the win column with a 4-3 road win against the Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia. The win pushes the season series between the two teams to 1-1, building up a high-anticipation rubber match for Sunday.
Marissa McCann started in the circle posting a strong performance including her 250th career strikeout. She finished with two strikeouts, two earned runs and three walks allowed through
four frames. After McCann allowed the bases to get loaded in the fourth with zero outs, freshman Abby Carr replaced her in the circle and got out of the inning suffering just two run. She finished her outing with one earned run through three innings allowing just three hits. The sixth strikeout was the first time Carr has hit that number in her fresh collegiate career. She had five through two frames.
After a pitcher dual between McCann and Georgia’s Addisen Fisher that saw just three total hits and zero runs through the first three frames, the Tigers broke the seal with an RBI single from Saniya Hill that allowed pinch runner Adi Koller to score. The RBI marked Hill’s second of her sophomore season.
With bases loaded and two outs in the top of the fifth, Fisher was replaced by Presley Harrison ahead of Carr’s at bat. The pitching change didn’t seem to work as the SEC Freshman of the Week hit a two RBI single bring Mizzou’s run total to three. Carr continues to lead the team in runs batted in this season and is up to 39.
The Tigers fourth run came later in the fifth, when Sidney Forrester hit an RBI single to center field putting Mizzou up 4-0.
The Bulldogs were knocking at the door in the bottom of the seventh but Carr slammed the door shut with back-to-back outs to secure the win for the Tigers.
Madison Uptegrove led Mizzou on the hitting front registering two hits, one being a double, in three plate appearances.
The win was a big one for the Tigers as they now sit a game above .500. The team will have to stay even or better to have a chance at the NCAA Tournament.
Mizzou is back in action for a rubber match against Georgia at 1 p.m. Sunday at Jack Turner Softball Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
