The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Missouri
No. 3 Softball falls to No. 8 Missouri, 6-3
05.08.2011 | Softball
May 8, 2011
COLUMBIA, Texas - The third-ranked Texas Softball team split its series with No. 8 Missouri, falling 6-3 to the Tigers, Sunday afternoon at University Field. The Longhorns still control their own destiny in Big 12 play and can clinch at least a share of the conference title with a win over Baylor in its season finale. The loss dropped the Horns to 45-7 on the year and 14-3 in Big 12 play, while the Tigers improved to 43-7 and 12-3 in league action.
Sophomore All-America righthander Blaire Luna (27-5) suffered the loss after allowing six runs on 10 hits, walking two and fanning four in 6.0 innings of work. Missouri starter Chelsea Thomas (25-5) notched the victory, firing a complete game, allowing three runs on six hits, walking two and striking out eight.
Sophomore rightfielder Taylor Hoagland and freshman shortstop Taylor Thom headlined the Horns offense in the game, recording a pair of two-hit performances with Hoagland scoring twice and Thom driving in a pair of runs.
Texas took an early 1-0 edge in the first inning, using consecutive singles by Hoagland and freshman centerfielder Brejae Washington to open the frame. A sacrifice bunt by Thom moved both runners into scoring position and an RBI fielder's choice by senior catcher Amy Hooks plated Hoagland to give the Horns a one-run advantage.
Missouri answered in the bottom of the first, using a leadoff single by Rhea Taylor and a UT throwing error to put a runner at second to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt by Jenna Marston moved Taylor to third and an RBI single through the middle by Nicole Hudson evened the score at one.
The Horns reclaimed the lead in the third, taking advantage of a one-out single by Hoagland to get things going. With two outs in the inning, Thom came to the plate and blasted a two-run homer to right field to put UT ahead, 3-1.
The Tigers responded in the bottom of the third with Marston drawing a leadoff walk and Hudson smashing a two-run shot to straightaway centerfield to even the game at three apiece.
They kept the heat on in the fourth with Marston and Hudson driving in a pair of runs to give Mizzou a 5-3 edge after four innings.
Mizzou added an insurance run in the sixth, mounting a two-out rally with a bunt single by Taylor and a stolen base to move her into scoring position. Marston's second RBI single of the day scored Taylor from second and widened the lead to three.
Texas returns to action on Sunday, May 15 when it plays host to Baylor. First pitch is slated for Noon Central.
