April 11, 2009

Box Score

Stillwater, Okla, -- - Megan Christopher's (Wright City, Mo.) two run home run in the top of the seventh inning helped secure Missouri's two-game sweep of the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The Tigers, ranked 10th in the nation, took down OSU, 6-1, at Cowgirl Stadium and improved to 36-5 on the season and 8-2 in the Big 12. Freshman Kristin Nottelmann (Fenton, Mo.) collected her 10th win of the season and fourth against a conference opponent after throwing just her second complete game of the year.

Batting leadoff, Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.) showcased her speed around the bases and took advantage of two Cowgirl miscues to score Missouri's first run of the game in the top of the first. After taking several hacks, Taylor reached first on a hard hit single through the left side. Taylor stole second, her 22nd stolen bag of the campaign, and reached third on a botched throw by OSU catcher Sam Heinlein. Oklahoma State's defense attempted a fielder's choice as Taylor ran for home and Marla Schweisberger (Raytown, Mo.) took first, with Cowgirl third baseman Mariah Gearhart throwing to the plate for the out. The throw was off target and Taylor slid home safely. Schweisberger was next to score for the Tigers, advancing home on a bases loaded walk to designated player Ashley Fleming (Silex, Mo.).

Throughout the course of the game, 20 Tigers reached base, but 12 were stranded including eight in scoring position.

Redshirt junior Gina Schneider (Liberty, Mo.) increased her season RBI total to 21 with a two run double in the top of the fourth. Christopher led off the inning and reached base on balls. Tiger Coach Ehren Earleywine sent Michaele Vock (Morrison, Ill.) into pinch run at first. Vock's younger sister, shortstop Abby Vock, was next to the plate and was hit by pitch by left handed relief pitcher Sarah Odom. Returning to the top of the order, Taylor was tagged out at first but allowed time for the Vock sisters to advance one base on the play. Two-hole hitter Schneider crushed her sixth double of the season giving Missouri a 4-0 advantage.

Missouri fans should make plans now to attend the Tiger's final non-conference game of the season Wednesday, April 15. The Tigers and Lady Miners of Missouri S&T will play a doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m. (CT) on University Field.