Missouri softball swept Iowa in their doubleheader matchup Wednesday, winning game one 9-0 in five innings and game two 2-0. Mizzou relied on pitching and defense, two areas the team has struggled with at points this season, to power them to the victories.
Senior Cheyenne Baxter took the mound in the first game, striking out a career-high nine batters. Baxter allowed no runs and improved to 3-2 on the season. The game was called after five innings on the mercy rule.
Sophomore Rylee Pierce hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, her fourth of the season. The Tigers scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, taking advantage of three Iowa errors.
Senior Kirsten Mack, junior Amanda Sanchez and freshman Braxton Burnside all drove in one run in the inning.
Runs were a welcome sight for a Mizzou team that failed to score in either of its games against No. 1 Florida this past weekend. The newfound run-support supplied the pitchers with confidence.
“You’re always more comfortable going out there when your team has scored,” Baxter said. “At that point you’re just trying to go out and not give up walks, make them hit the ball and let your defense play for you. Get in and out as quickly as possible.”
Mizzou’s fielders have not inspired confidence all season. During the Mizzou Tournament, which took place March 3-5, the team committed nine errors in five games. In the five games since, they have made two. The supply of consistent defense has also helped the pitching staff to feel more comfortable.
“Especially as a drop-ball pitcher, you want them to hit it in the ground,” Baxter said. “You want the defense to make plays, and just knowing your defense is going to get those outs for you is really crucial. It makes you feel better and more relaxed.”
Sophomore Danielle Baumgartner picked up right where she left off against Florida, throwing a complete game shutout and striking out four in the second game. Since March 4, Baumgartner has pitched 19.1 innings and posted an ERA of 0.36.
“I feel more and more comfortable every game,” Baumgartner said. “Early on, there were a few quirks I was working through, and now I’m getting settled in.”
Mizzou pounced on Iowa in the fourth inning, when they scored the deciding two runs. Mack hit the team’s first triple of the season, scoring sophomore Raime Cohen. Then redshirt junior Anna Reed drove Mack in with a single.
Burnside recorded hits in both games, stretching her hit streak to seven games.
Coach Ehren Earleywine said it was good for the team to get back on track hitting after facing a tough Florida squad. Despite being shut out in both games against Florida, the Tigers’ struggles at plate did not worry him.
“It’s good for you to see that type of pitching, that SEC pitching is what makes you good in the postseason,” Earleywine said. “I hated it that we had to start off with Florida because it can really set you in a tailspin hitting-wise, but I think tonight it was important that we got to bat against some pitchers we could put in play and get a little confidence back.”
Mizzou now improves to 13-10 as it travels to Clearwater, Florida, to compete in the South Florida Tournament. The Tigers will play five games over the course of the weekend, starting Friday with a doubleheader against Ohio State and Rutgers.
_Edited by Eli Lederman | elederman@themaneater.com_