While LSU piled on nine runs, just two would have been enough as Mizzou lost 9-1 in a series-opening loss in Columbia.
Mizzou struggled with runners in scoring position, finishing 0-6 while leaving nine runners stranded. By comparison LSU finished the game 6-7 with runners in scoring position, taking advantage of every runner.
“We need to bear down when we have those opportunities and not let them pass by,” head coach Larissa Anderson said.
The Tigers couldn’t break past LSU pitcher Jayden Heavener,
who sat down Mizzou with 11 strikeouts in a complete game performance.
Cierra Harrison will be credited with the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits while striking out four in 5.0 innings.
Harrison pitched quite well the first five innings, giving up only two runs before a 2-run homer in the sixth shifted the momentum to spark a 7-run inning for the visitors.
“I think [Harrison’s performance] was a B,” Anderson said. “It wasn’t her best stuff, but I think it was competitive.”
The only run came on the first career RBI for Gracie Britton on a walk with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth. But the Tigers couldn’t capitalize further, leading to the run-rule loss.
Here’s how the complete game shook out:
LSU scored in the first inning after Sierra Daniel walked on four pitches before advancing to second on a fielder’s choice. Daniel made it home by using her speed to score on an infield single from Alix Franklin. Shortstop Madison Uptegrove made a throw to first but slipped, allowing the throw to come in slow and Daniel to dash home. Mizzou couldn’t respond in the bottom half with three consecutive strikeouts to start the game.
Harrison gave up one walk in the second but struck out a pair to avoid allowing any more runs. The offense continued to struggle in the bottom of the inning, going 1-2-3 with two more strikeouts.
Harrison sat down LSU in consecutive fashion, forcing three balls with weak contact that were gobbled up in the field. Claire Cahalan recorded the first Tiger hit on an infield single, legging out a ball hit to the shortstop. Addy Waits pushed her into scoring position with a walk. Stefania Abruscato had the chance to blast the game wide open with a deep fly ball to center, but it was tracked down for the final out of the inning.
LSU added a second run on walk plus wild pitch to bring the runner to second, eventually scoring on a single up the middle. Harrison avoided any more damage with a strikeout to end the inning. Abby Hay rocketed a ball into center field for the team’s second hit of the day, moving to second base after a walk from Sophie Smith. But Heavener’s ninth strikeout of the game ended the rally as soon as it began.
Harrison allows one hit but no further damage in the top of the fifth, forcing weak pop outs to limit the Tiger offense. The Tigers put runners on 1st and 2nd for the third consecutive inning with back-to-back singles from Waits and Abruscato. But Heavener shut the door once again, striking out Sidney Forrester to end the inning.
LSU broke the game open offensively with the help of a two-run homer to chase Harrison from the game. Courtney Donahue came into the game in relief, appearing to get out of the inning with three consecutive outs. But the final groundout was overturned with the runner safe at first, leading to five straight hits and five more runs, pushing the LSU lead to 9-0.
Hay and Abby Carr each hit singles to try and put a dent in the deficit, with Kayley Lenger drawing a two-out walk to load the bases. Gracie Britton brought in the first run of the game with a walk.
“She has great plate discipline,” Anderson said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do, that’s a quality at-bat.”
A flyout ended the game via mercy rule through six innings as the Tigers failed to mount the late comeback.
Mizzou is now 20-19 on the season, snapping a five-game losing streak. Tigers will be desperate to even the series at 3 p.m. on Friday in Columbia. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
