Pitcher’s Duel Ends in Favor of No. 25 Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Freshman starter Autumn Storms gave up just two hits and the University of Arkansas softball team had chances late, but the Razorbacks came up short in a 1-0 loss to No. 25 Missouri in a Friday evening pitcher’s duel. Madison Yannetti reached base twice with a single and a walk to pace the offense. The complete-game performance by Storms is her ninth of the season.
Final: #25 Missouri 1, Arkansas 0 | Box Score
Going head-to-head with reigning SEC and NFCA National Pitcher of the Week in Missouri’s Cheyenne Baxter, Storms was up to the challenge in Friday’s series opener. The Temecula, California, native was one shy of her career high with seven strikeouts against Missouri. Storms retired the final seven hitters she faced and 12 of the last 14. Missouri (21-14, 4-5 SEC) scored the only run of the game in the third inning, an unearned tally aided by a pair of passed balls.
The Razorbacks had a two-out baserunner in the third and fourth innings, but their first big scoring opportunity rolled around in the fifth. Rachel Box, making her first start of the season, singled up the middle and after a base hit by Yannetti, the team had runners on the corners—pinch runners Betina Beringhele and Loren Krzysko—with one out. However, Baxter responded with back-to-back strikeouts to keep Arkansas (22-14, 2-11 SEC) off the scoreboard.
Down to its final three outs, the team put together another threat in the top of the seventh inning. Tori Cooper got the inning started with a bunt single, and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Nicole Schroeder. Yannetti drew a two-out walk to put runners on first and second but a fly ball to right field by pinch hitter Katie Warrick ended the game.
Up Next
Game two of the weekend series between Arkansas and Missouri is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. The matchup will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and available through the WatchESPN app.
For more information about Arkansas softball, follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter.
