COLUMBIA, Mo. Facing elimination, Mizzou Softball took control of the contest early by putting up six runs in the second inning. The Tigers never looked back and took the game by a score of 7-1 over James Madison to force the third game of the Columbia Super Regional.
Each team went down in order in the first inning, but the Tigers would not be behind for long. In the top of the second, Cayla Kessinger stepped up to the plate with one out and drove a 2-2 pitch over the right field wall for a solo shot. The Tigers did not stop there, however. Casidy Chaumont ripped a single through the left side on the first pitch that she saw and then Emma Raabe was hit by the first pitch of her at bat to put two on quickly.
With two outs, Abby George slapped one back to the pitcher and the ball was misplayed by the first baseman and Chaumont scored from second to make it 2-0. After Abby George stole second, Brooke Wilmes sent a 1-1 pitch over the left-center wall for a three-run shot, giving the Tigers a five-run lead. Jenna Laird then drove a double off the center field wall to force a pitching change. Hatti Moore singled down the left field line to score Laird from second, but she was thrown out attempting to stretch it into a double. The Tigers led 6-0 in the middle of the second.
The Dukes attempted to answer immediately and were able to reach on a leadoff single. Laurin Krings immediately shut the door with a fielder’s choice and a pair of strikeouts.
Mizzou will look to book a trip to the Women’s College World Series on Sunday at 11 a.m. on ESPN in the finale of the Columbia Super Regional against James Madison.
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