Missouri softball splits with Arizona
The Missouri softball team earned a tough split against another No. 2-ranked team last weekend at Arizona.
The Tigers (3-2, 0-0 Big 12) got shut out 5-0 in game one, and sophomore pitcher Chelsea Thomas suffered her first loss of the season. The Tiger bats were extremely cold, collecting only two hits off Arizona freshman pitcher Kenzie Fowler.
The bats came alive for the Tigers in game two, scoring 10 runs on 12 hits. The 10-run outburst marked the first time Arizona had given up 10 runs in the regular season since 2007. Junior catcher Megan Christopher continued her hot streak, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Christopher is batting .538 on the season with seven hits.
Thomas was hit hard again but still earned the win, giving up five runs on four hits in four innings pitched. After shining in two outings against Alabama, Thomas struggled in both appearances against Arizona.
The Tigers have a busy weekend ahead at the Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga. Missouri is scheduled to play five games, with three coming against ranked teams. The Tiger’s success will all depend on how Thomas and the pitching staff perform. Thomas is coming off two shaky outings, and the bullpen has yet to show consistency this season.
The Tigers begin the tournament against Michigan on Friday at 10 a.m. Michigan is tied with Missouri for the No. 4 on the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll.