Missouri’s softball team wasted no time establishing dominance against their Tiger counterparts on Saturday, securing a decisive 6-3 victory over Auburn. The key to their early success was a five-run explosion in the first inning, largely fueled by a couple of sun-induced miscues from Auburn’s center fielder, Ma’Nia Womack.
Womack, typically a reliable presence in the outfield with only two errors in 70 chances since the previous season, found herself battling more than just the ball. The intense afternoon sun at Jane B. Moore Field proved to be a formidable opponent.
A Sun-Drenched First Inning
The scoring began with runners on first and second and no outs. Missouri’s right fielder, Sidney Forrester, launched a towering fly ball toward center field. As the ball descended, Womack attempted to make the catch, shielding her eyes from the sun. Unfortunately, the ball caromed off her glove, rolling to the warning track. This miscue allowed Stefania Abruscato and Addy Waits to score, giving Missouri a 2-0 lead.
Moments later, the situation repeated itself. Missouri’s first baseman, Abby Hay, hit another pop fly into center field. Again, Womack positioned herself to make the play, and again, the sun interfered, causing the ball to slip from her grasp. This time, Forrester, who had advanced to third on the previous play, crossed the plate, extending Missouri’s lead.
While the first instance wasn’t officially scored as an error, the second was. Regardless of the scoring, Auburn found itself on the losing end of two battles that inning: one against Missouri’s offense and another against the blinding glare of the sun.
Extending the Lead
Missouri wasn’t done in the first inning. They added two more runs thanks to consecutive RBI doubles from designated player Abby Carr and second baseman Sophie Smith, pushing their advantage to 4-0.
The offensive onslaught continued in the second inning. Catcher Stefania Abruscato blasted a solo home run to right-center field, further increasing Missouri’s lead to 6-1.
Pitching Performance and Auburn’s Response
Missouri’s starting pitcher, Marissa McCann, faced some challenges during her outing. She surrendered a solo home run to Auburn shortstop Alyssa Hastings in the bottom of the first. In the third inning, McCann issued three walks in four at-bats, leading to Auburn right fielder McKaela Walker capitalizing with a sacrifice fly. However, McCann managed to escape further damage by striking out Auburn first baseman AnnaLea Adams on a full count, stranding two runners in scoring position.
After allowing a single to Auburn second baseman Daigle Wilson in the fourth inning, McCann was relieved by Courtney Donahue. McCann’s final line for the afternoon included three earned runs on two hits, accompanied by five walks, but she also recorded seven strikeouts.
Donahue proved to be an effective reliever, pitching three scoreless innings and allowing only two hits. In the top of the ninth, with two outs and runners on first and second for Auburn, Carr stepped in to close the game. After giving up a single, she struck out Walker to secure her third save of the season and seal the victory for Missouri.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Missouri is poised to aim for their first series sweep of an SEC opponent since May 2024. The first pitch for Sunday’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
