@MizzouSoftball Hosts #20 Kentucky in SEC Weekend Showdown

Mizzou Hosts #20 Kentucky in Key SEC Series
OPPONENT	LOCATION	DAY	TIME (CT)	WATCH	STATS
#20 Kentucky	Mizzou Stadium	Friday, April 21	6:30 pm	SEC Network +	Stats
#20 Kentucky	Mizzou Stadium	Saturday, April 22	2 pm	SEC Network +	Stats
#20 Kentucky	Mizzou Stadium	Sunday, April 23	Noon	SEC Network +	Stats

MIZZOU GAME NOTES

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Following its three mid-week nonconference games in the past two days, Mizzou Softball (27-18, 5-9 SEC) returns to Southeastern Conference action this weekend (April 21-23.) The Tigers welcome No. 20 Kentucky to Mizzou Softball Stadium for a pivotal conference series.

The Tigers and Wildcats' series opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday evening. Game two is slated for a 2 p.m. (CT) first pitch on Saturday and will mark Family Day and Truman Club Day at the ballpark. Fans can take advantage of a Family 4-Pack for only $25, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four small drinks.

Following Saturday afternoon's matchup, Tigers fans can kick back and watch a free viewing of Disney's "Zootopia" on the Mizzou Softball Stadium scoreboard.

Sunday afternoon's series finale will begin at noon and mark Paws in the Park Day. The first 50 fans in attendance with their respective dogs will receive an exclusive Mizzou themed water bowl. At the conclusion of the game, fans are encouraged to head to the outfield for a meet and greet and autographs with the 2017 Tigers.

All three games this weekend will broadcast live on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.

Tickets will be available at the main gate through the Mizzou Ticket Office booth. Adult tickets are $8, while youth and senior tickets are available for $5 apiece. University of Missouri students can receive free admission with a valid student ID.

Mizzou Softball Stadium gates will open one hour prior to first pitch. Additional details on stadium policies, parking and much more can be found inside the 2017 Mizzou Softball Fan Primer.

Series Snapshot

The all-time series between Mizzou and Kentucky is tied, 7-7.
In the teams' last meeting, the Wildcats claimed a 3-2 victory over the Tigers in Lexington, Ky. (April 17, 2016).

Burnside Named Finalist for NFCA National Freshman of the Year

Shortstop Braxton Burnside was named one of 25 finalists for the 2017 Schutt Sports / NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year, announced Thursday (April 20) afternoon.
Burnside will be in the running for the prestigious award with the top 10 finalists announced on May 11. The top three finalists will be revealed on May 24, while the final selection for the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year is announced on May 30.
The first-year Tiger has emerged as one of the SEC and NCAA's top freshmen this season. Entering this weekend's series against Kentucky, Burnside is hitting .338 with 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 45 RBI.
Burnside is currently only one of two players in the SEC with 10-plus doubles and 10-plus home runs. Additionally, her 11 home runs is tops among all SEC freshmen and ranks tied for second overall.
Nationally, Burnside's 11 trips to #BombCity ranks top 30, while her 45 RBI places top 20.

Tigers Take Care of Business Wednesday vs. Omaha

Mizzou produced victories in all three mid-week nonconference matchups this week, capped off by a 7-4 win over Nebraska-Omaha (April 19).
The Tigers scored in each of their opening three at bats, keying an early 7-0 advantage over the visiting Mavericks.
Senior Kirsten Mack walloped a two-run home run in the second inning, while senior Natalie Fleming produced a solo home run in the third.
Mack's home run was the 32nd of her career, tying for seventh place all-time in Tiger history.
Fleming's solo trip to #BombCity established a new single-season best in home runs. The seventh blast of the season surpassed her previous mark of six, which she set during her 2014 freshman campaign.
In the circle, senior Cheyenne Baxter tossed four scoreless innings en route to her 14th victory of the season. It was sweet revenge for the former Maverick, as she competed for one year with Nebraska-Omaha before transferring to Mizzou in 2015.

Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Softball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (University of Missouri Softball Team) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoftball).

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