AUBURN, Ala. – Mizzou Softball (24-16, 5-7 SEC) claimed a 6-1 victory in its series opener at No. 7 Auburn on Friday evening, marking its fifth win over a nationally ranked top 10 opponent this year. The visiting Tigers also tallied their seventh triumph over current top 25 NCAA RPI ball clubs.
Mizzou's series-opening victory was led by three home runs on offense and stellar pitching in the circle. Senior Kirsten Mack (Riverside, Calif.) tallied her first multi-home run game of the year, while freshman Braxton Burnside's (Paragould, Ark.) two-run home run in the seventh inning provided key insurance.
In the circle, senior Cheyenne Baxter (Norborne, Mo.), freshman Parker Conrad (Winter Park, Fla.) and redshirt sophomore Madi Norman (Tipton, Mo.) combined to limit Auburn to five hits and one run. Baxter was awarded the victory in midst of the Tigers' strong pitching, marking her team-leading 12th win this season.
Auburn struck first Friday night, following a solo home run in the opening inning. It would be its lone run of the night however, as Mizzou's pitching staff didn't allow another runner to cross the plate after the first frame.
Mizzou tied the game in the second inning and later recorded its first lead of the night after Mack's two long balls. The Tigers possessed a slim 2-1 advantage heading to the sixth inning. Senior Chloe Rathburn's (Mission Viejo, Calif.) RBI double in the top half of the frame secured her fifth multi-hit game this season.
Burnside's team-leading 10th trip to #BombCity this year in the seventh inning secured the Tigers' impressive weekend-opening win.
Hear From the Tigers
Mack on Mizzou's win…
"We had a good game plan on Auburn's (Kaylee) Carlson and we went out and executed. We hit the ball hard all night and took advantage of their mistakes. Our pitchers also did a great job tonight and kept Auburn off balance. It was a great team win for sure."
Up Next
Game two of this weekend's series between Mizzou and No. 7 Auburn is scheduled for Saturday, April 15. First pitch at Jane B. Moore Field is set for 6 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
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