The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Missouri
Softball scores five in 10th to upend No. 13 Missouri, 6-2, in Big 12 opener
03.21.2009 | Softball
March 21, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Texas Softball rallied for five runs in the tenth inning to break a 1-1 tie and knock off No. 13 Missouri, 6-2 in its Big 12 Conference opener. The victory improved the Longhorns to 23-10 on the season and 1-0 in Big 12 play, while Missouri dropped to 25-4 and 0-1 in league action.
Texas sophomore starter Brittany Barnhill (12-5) went the distance for the Horns, firing 10.0, scattering 11 hits, walking four and fanning nine. Missouri reliever Stacy Delaney (4-2) suffered the loss after throwing 3.2 innings of relief, surrendering five runs on five hits, walking two and striking out four.
In the tenth, Texas started the frame with senior centerfielder Kacie Gaskin on second base via the international tie-break rule. Senior first baseman Desiree Williams led off the frame with an RBI single that scored Gaskin and gave UT a 2-1 edge. Freshman shortstop Lexy Bennett followed with a single and both runners moved into scoring position on sophomore catcher Amy Hooks' groundout.
A two-run single by junior designated player Loryn Johnson brought both runners home and moved the tally to 4-1. After Mizzou retired its second Texas hitter of the inning, freshman rightfielder Courtney Craig stepped to the plate and hammered a two-run homer that extended UT' advantage to 6-1.
Missouri claimed an early 1-0 edge in the third when centerfielder Rhea Taylor notched a one-out single to start a Tigers' rally. Taylor promptly stole second and then came around to score on shortstop Gina Schneider's RBI single.
Texas evened the score at one apiece in the fifth when Barnhill helped her own cause with her fourth homer of the year -- a solo shot -- that proved to be the extra-innings forcing run.
Johnson, Craig and Barnhill headlined the Longhorns' offense on the day with two hits each. Taylor highlighted the Mizzou offense with a 3-for-4 effort.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, March 22 when it finishes its two-game series with Missouri. First pitch is set for Noon.
