Tiger Pantry Big Winner in Softball's 7-2 Win Over Baseball
10/14/2017 4:44:00 PM | Baseball, Softball
Over 300 pounds donated for fun diamond battle
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On a beautiful afternoon in Columbia, the Mizzou Softball team squared off with the Mizzou Baseball in a five-inning fast-pitch softball game. The Fight Hunger Charity Game lived up to its billing, as fans made food donations that benefited the Tiger Pantry. Mizzou Athletics officials estimated that well over 300 pounds of food were donated. The laid-back afternoon turned out to be a huge success as both teams had plenty of praise for the event.
"It was a lot of fun, I think the fans enjoyed it," said Mizzou Softball coach Ehren Earleywine. "My goal is that each year this grows into more of a spectacle than a game, so that everybody can come out at one time and get to know everybody on both teams a little bit. It was a good first year."
@MizzouBaseball , this was fun, let's do it again. Thanks to all the fans who came out today and donated to Tiger Pantry. ?? #MIZ pic.twitter.com/2oQiJjzndp
— Mizzou Softball (@MizzouSoftball) October 14, 2017
While most Mizzou baseball players were baffled at the plate by sophomore Eli Daniel's arsenal of pitches, first baseman Kameron Misner sent a moon-shot solo home run into the parking lot past the right-field fence in the first inning to open the scoring for the Baseball squad.
"It's just so evident by that home run, what a different level of power and explosiveness those guys have," said Earleywine.
In the bottom of the third, Mizzou Softball responded when Rylee Pierce ripped a double that was just out of the reach of right fielder Trey Harris. Not used to the different-sized ball, Harris air-mailed his throw into the third-base stands which allowed two runs to cross for Mizzou Softball.
Harris redeemed himself with a solo shot to knot the game at two in the top of the fourth. However, Mizzou Softball responded in the bottom half with a huge five-run frame highlighted by a grand slam by Pierce that made the score 7-2. Mizzou Softball then retired the Baseball squad in order in the fifth to seal the victory in Mizzou's first Fight Hunger Game.
"We had fun," said Harris with a laugh. "They said it was going to be hard and it was hard. It's my last year here but I hope they keep it going, it was a blast."
Overall, both sides enjoyed themselves and hundreds of Mizzou faithful showed up to support both of Mizzou's storied programs while pitching in to support a good cause.
