Missouri Tigers softball secured a 10-2 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Junior pitcher Taylor Pannell started on the mound and held her position the entire game. She finished with a career-high of eight strikeouts, allowing two runs on four hits.
Missouri opened the game hot, as senior infielder Taylor Ebbs’ ground ball drove sophomore outfielder Claire Cahalan to home plate. Sophomore outfielder Stefania Abruscato then notched an RBI to right field, sending freshman outfielder Nevaeh Watkins home and extending the lead to 2-0.
Third baseman Kara Daly and outfielder Julia Crenshaw — both seniors — were absent batters for the game, as both are suffering different injuries from their weekend in Mississippi. Crenshaw is being evaluated for a broken wrist, and Daly is being evaluated for a broken hand.
The Tigers’ strong batting continued in the sixth, with an explosive home run from freshman infielder Madison Uptegrove, sending pinch runner Crenshaw home. This added two runs for the Tigers, setting the score 6-1.
“It’s hard to be confident when you’re new,” Uptegrove said when asked about her growth this season. “Throughout the season I’ve developed confidence, I feel better in the box and on the field no matter what’s happening.”
Missouri stayed hot in the sixth inning, as Ebbs hit her third RBI of the night to send pinch-runner Adi Koller home. Uptegrove then notched an RBI to center field, bringing Abruscato and pinch runner Jordyn Thurman in to score.
Junior outfielder Kayley Lenger notched her third home run of the season, along with two RBIs, capping her day off batting three-for-three. In the field, Lenger made an acrobatic catch on the edge of the fence in the second inning, showcasing her defensive prowess.
Lenger notched another RBI to center, letting Uptegrove score one final run for the Tigers to take the win 10-2. Uptegrove was the top scorer of the night, going three-for-three with four RBIs and a home run. Abruscato was prominent defensively, tallying eight outs.
The Tigers stayed home to play Texas A&M at 6 p.m. on April 17 at the Mizzou Softball Stadium.
Edited by Killian Wright | kwright@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com
Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com
