Fifteen hits and 11 runs not enough for Lady'Backs

FAYETTEVILLE – Twenty nine hits, 23 runs, three home runs, two triples, four doubles, five lead changes and one tie highlighted the University of Arkansas softball game versus Missouri at Lady’Back Yard Sunday.

The Lady Razorbacks produced eleven runs on fifteen hits but a relentless Missouri offense proved too much for Arkansas.

“I can’t complain about the offense,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “It was just one of those days that whatever we were throwing they were hitting.”

The Lady’Backs took the early lead producing four runs on four hits in the top of the first inning. Freshman Teighynne Hulsey singled through the left side to get things going, followed by an RBI double by sophomore Kayla Johnson, an RBI single by junior Dayna Huckabee and an RBI triple by freshman Jessica Bachkora. Bachkora scored on a Missouri error.

In the bottom of the second inning Missouri’s Micaela Miner got one run back with a solo home run over center field on one out. A base hit to left center by Kathy Masterson and a blooper by Sarah Stringer that fell in just behind a freshman Brittany Robison at shortstop got two runners on base when Julie Silver drove a hard hit ball down the left-field line scoring both runners. With Silver on second, lead-off batter Leanne Bowers hit a two-run home run to left center giving the Tigers the 5-4 advantage.

The Lady’Backs regained the lead 8-5 with another four-run inning in the top of the third.

Hulsey led off the inning with a double, followed by both Johnson and Dixon getting hit by the pitch. Huckabee scored Hulsey on a fielder’s choice while Bachkora a school recr triple of the day driving in Johnson and Huckabee. Cloer then singled to right field scoring Bachkora from third.

In the bottom of the inning the Tigers evened the score at 8-8 with another home run, this time a three-run blast by Stringer.

Arkansas got ahead by two runs in the fifth inning behind three singles by Buckner, LeMaster and Johnson. Johnson added two RBIs.

Bachkora scored in the sixth inning and Robison picked up the RBI to give Arkansas the 11-8 lead.

A red-hot Stringer led off the bottom of the sixth with her third hit of the day, a single up the middle. Bowers singled and Andee Allen hit a two RBI double down the left field line as the Tigers closed the gap to one run.

Junior Katy Henry started in the circle for the Lady’Backs going five and two-thirds innings before she was relieved by freshman Miranda Dixon in the sixth.

In the bottom of the seventh, Jen Bruck got on base with a lead-off walk then Stringer singled again with two outs, going 4-for-4 on the day. A wild pitch moved both base runners into scoring position when Allison Kennewell hit a walk-off two-run single and spoiled the day for the Lady’Backs.

“Tip your cap to Missouri,” said Pinkerton. “They had some things go against them and had the grittiness to overcome them. They kept their cool and played ball.”

Arkansas returns to action Wednesday, traveling to Norman, Okla., to take on the No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners. The games begin at 3 p.m.

For more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.