Gamecocks Drop Friday’s Contest at No. 16/14 Missouri 5-2

Game #1

May 6, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 16/14 Missouri (38-12, 13-9 SEC) used its speed to its advantage in a 5-2 Friday night win over South Carolina (34-19, 6-16 SEC) at University Field.

A bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Kirsten Mack brought home a run, and Sami Fagan executed a delayed steal of home to even the contest at 2-2 in the first. Three more Tiger runs came home in the second, the first on Amanda Sanchez’s single off Gamecock pitcher Jessica Elliott’s glove. A throwing error brought in another, and a second delayed steal of home by Fagan pushed Missouri’s advantage to 5-2.

The Gamecocks held an early 2-0 lead on sophomore Krystan White’s two-out, two-RBI single, scoring a pair after three walks loaded the bases, drawn by freshman Kennedy Clark, junior Kaylea Snaer and senior Ansley Ard.

Tiger starter Paige Lowary (21-6) claimed a complete-game win, giving up two earned runs on four hits and five walks. She struck out six. Elliott (17-7) took the loss, allowing five runs, four earned, on four hits and three walks.

Game Changer:
The Tigers’ aggressive base running pushed the envelope and moved them toward the win.

Key Stat:
The Tigers stole four bases, with both of Fagan’s swipes coming of home.

Notables:
– Four different Gamecocks had hits: Snaer, White, freshman Kenzi Maguire and sophomore Kamryn Watts.
– Walks to both Page and Snaer moved them up the career charts, Page tying Joyce McMillin (1998-2001) in second and Snaer leaping Dawn Lantiere (1990-93) into sixth.
– Snaer also tied Amber Curtis (2001-04) for 15th on the total-bases charts with her base hit, while she reached base three times in the 1-for-2 night.
– Natalie Fleming had two of Missouri’s six hits.
– South Carolina’s three errors matches a season worst.

Tweet of the Game:

E5 | 1st 2 Tigers reach, but a force out at 3rd and a DP started by Watts ends it. #Gamecocks down 5-2 with White, Maguire & Bizzell up.

– Gamecock Softball (@GamecockSoftbll) May 7, 2016