Mizzou Tops KU, 4-0, in Border Showdown
April 12, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo. –
Kansas softball dropped a 4-0 contest to Border Showdown rival Missouri Wednesday night at University Field. With the loss, KU moved to 21-20 overall and 2-6 in the Big 12 Conference while the Tigers improved to 19-17 and 3-4.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
With the victory, MU snagged 1.5 points in the 2005-06 Border Showdown, but the Jayhawks still hold a convincing 17.5 to 12 lead in the year-long series.
Jessica Moppin notched KU’s first and only hit of the game in the fourth inning – a double to left center – and Serena Settlemier was intentionally walked behind her. Stevie Crisosto walked to load the bases with two outs for Nettie Fierros, who battled but struck out looking, stranding three in the top half of the inning.
Mizzou was able to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth off two hits and a passed ball. With one out, Amanda Renth singled up the middle and was replaced by pinch runner Amy Henke. Janessa Roening reached first on a bunt that got through a hole in the infield (single) and Linke advanced to third. Kathy Masterson grounded out to first base, which allowed Linke to score and advanced Roening, who scored on a passed ball.
The Tigers added to their lead in the sixth, scoring two runs off four hits. Jen Bruck led off with a single up the middle and stole second and Michaela Minner singled to score Bruck. Renth singled and with two runners in scoring position and with no outs, Settlemier stepped in to relieve KU starter Kassie Humphreys.
Settlemier struck out the next batter, but Masterson’s squeeze bunt turned in to a double and Minner was able to score from third. Settlemier grounded out the next two Tigers, but MU came away with two more runs to seal the win, 4-0.
Humphreys (9-13), the reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week, gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked one in five innings to take the loss. Settlemier allowed one hit and struck out one in one inning of relief.
Bruck (17-12) struck out five, walked three and gave up just one hit in the complete-game shutout.
KU returns to Lawrence Saturday to begin a seven-game stretch at Arrocha Ballpark. The Jayhawks will host Texas Tech in a weekend series Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon.
-KU-
