In what was a slow and clunky contest in Lawrence, Missouri took this year's edition of the Border Showdown in enemy territory.
Behind strong pitching and disciplined hitting, the Tigers outlasted the Jayhawks 3-2 for their second consecutive win in the storied rivalry.
For most of this season, head coach Larissa Anderson has emphasized the importance of extending at-bats, and Missouri did exactly that from the get-go. Although the Tigers didn't register a run, all four of their at-bats last at least four pitches, which included Alex Honnold fouling off four straight pitches before flying out to center field.
Thankfully, that carried over into the second inning. After Maddie Gallagher hit a single on a full count and advanced to second off of a throwing error, Madison Walker singled her home on a 2-2 count to put Missouri on the board.
While the Tigers struggled capitalizing with runners on base, starter Cierra Harrison was keeping Kansas at bay. Although she allowed base runners, Harrison never allowed the Jayhawks to fly. Through the first three innings, Harrison allowed just one hit.
Missouri added onto its lead in the top of the fourth. Jenna Laird hit an RBI groundout, which was immediately followed by an Alex Honnold double that scored Kayley Lenger.
Both offenses stalled until the bottom of the seventh, which is where Kansas finally started to permeate Harrison. The Jayhawks had runners on second and third with two outs, and that's when disaster struck for the Tigers. Jenna Laird booted a ground ball that scored both runners, giving Kansas life. However, Taylor Pannell struck out Campbell Bagshaw on three pitches to end the game.
Harrison picked up the win to move to 9-1 on the season, allowing just three hits in four innings of work. Laurin Krings pitched two innings of shutout ball in relief, which included two strikeouts. Pannell picked up the save, her fourth of the season.
Kayley Lenger led the way at the plate with two hits. Even better for the Tigers, her strikeout in the sixth inning was the only one Missouri registered at the plate all afternoon.
The Tigers will return home for a weekend clash with No. 2/2 LSU. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on Friday.
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