Softball wins in extra innings

By Matt Schiffman
April 18, 2008

Freshman infielder Abby Vock swings against Kansas in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at University Field. Missouri swept Kansas after winning the first game 7-2.

(Click graphic to enlarge)

The Missouri softball team swept the visiting Kansas Jayhawks in impressive fashion at University Field on Wednesday night.

The Tigers didn’t allow for much excitement in the first game as they buried Kansas 7-2.

Senior infielders Amanda Renth and Jen Bruck led the club in the doubleheader.

In the first game, Renth recorded her seventh home run in six games when she went yard in the fifth inning.

Bruck was credited with both wins, throwing a complete game first, then relieving junior starter Stacy Delaney in the second game.

But there would be plenty of drama in the second game as Missouri (39-12, 6-4 Big 12) pulled out a 6-5 victory in extra innings.

With two outs in the top of the first, Kansas struck first when sophomore Amanda Jobe cranked a home run into right field to put the Jayhawks (30-13, 4-6) in front 1-0.

MU’s offense wasted no time responding with both leadoff hitters getting on base.

Then Bruck got a base hit up the middle to drive in freshman outfielder Rhea Taylor and even the score.

The Tigers drove in two more runs to close out the first with a 3-1 lead.

Over the next couple of innings it was all defense from both teams.

Then, in the top of the fourth, Kansas struck again.

Jobe jacked another homer, this one a two-run shot to the same spot in right.

“She tore us up last year, and she did it again this year,” Missouri coach Ehren Earleywine said.

The Tigers found its offense again in the bottom of the fifth when junior Lindsey Ubrun singled to center to drive in two runs and give the Tigers a seemingly commanding 5-3 lead with two innings to go.

But Kansas’ freshman Liz Kocon stepped up to the plate and tied it up again with a single to drive in two.

Coach Earleywine decided to send in Bruck after that play to finish the game for the Tigers.

“Stacy pitched well enough for us to win,” he said. “I thought it would be a good momentum stopper to bring in Bruck.”

Stepping into a tied game after already pitching earlier in the day didn’t faze Bruck.

“I don’t really get nervous,” she said. “I have confidence in my defense and in myself.”

Finally, in the bottom of the eighth, Missouri finished off the Jayhawks.

With one on, two out and facing a full count, sophomore pinch hitter Meredith Nash doubled to left to bring in the winning run.

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Softball wins in extra innings

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