
No. 20 Aggies Drop 3-0 Decision to No. 12 Tigers
Apr 10, 2011 | Softball
April 10, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Aggies were unable to plate a run as the No. 20 Texas A&M softball team (30-11, 3-4 Big 12) fell 3-0 to No. 12 Missouri (32-5, 7-1 Big 12) Sunday in the final game of a two-contest series at University Field.
"I thought our kids came to play," head coach Jo Evans said. "I liked the way we competed. We didn't back down to them. They chipped away a couple of runs here and there, but you know it's not going your way when the ball hits the stinking bag and they score a run off of it."
Freshman Amber Garza singled in the top of the second, sending a ball through the right side that forced the second baseman to dive. She was thrown out on a fielder's choice and the Aggies were unable to put a run on the board.
In the top of the third, freshman Cassie Tysarczyk put another hit in the stats for A&M with a second single through the right side. The right fielder stole second but was left stranded in the inning.
Never reaching base in each of the first three innings, the Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Center fielder Rhea Taylor led off the inning, placing a drag bunt single in the infield and reaching second on a throwing error. She crossed the plate on a single to left field by designated player Maddison Ruggeberg. The Aggies held two runners at bay to get out of the inning.
Looking for a rally in the top of the fifth, A&M had its third single of the day. Junior Kelsea Orsak slapped a base hit to second, beating the throw to reach base. The team was again unable to capitalize on the base runner and the score remained at 1-0 in Mizzou's favor.
In the bottom of the fifth, MU second baseman Abby Vock walked and took second on a single by Taylor. Shortstop Jenna Marston doubled to left field and plated Vock for the 2-0 lead. Taylor and Marston were left stranded in scoring position as the A&M defense shut down the final batter.
Senior Rhi Kliesing hit a fourth and final single in the top of the sixth, sending a laser up the middle. She was put out on a fielder's choice.
The Tigers scored their final run of the game in the bottom of the inning when third baseman Nicole Hudson reached on a walk and was sent around the bags on two singles. The RBI single by pinch hitter Princess Krebs hit the bag at second and bounced wild as junior Natalie Villarreal and sophomore Brittany Walker scrambled to make a play.
A&M was unable to get a look in the top of the seventh, and MU came out ahead, 3-0. Redshirt junior Lindsey Sisk (14-4) suffered the loss, giving up two earned runs on two walks and six hits in five innings. Chelsea Thomas (17-3) earned her second win against the Aggies, throwing nine strikeouts and allowing no runs on four hits.
"I thought Lindsey did a good job out there," Evans said. "But when you play a good team like that, you have to make plays. First of all, they get the leadoff hit and Lindsey's got to make the play and she throws wide, and they ended up scoring off of that one. That kills you. A couple of walks hurt us, too. Two walks in that game ended up scoring with two outs. It's just frustrating. We've got to get better at that."
Up next the Aggies return to the Lone Star State and travel to Huntsville Wednesday to take on Sam Houston State. The midweek nonconference matchup is slated for a 6:30 p.m. start. For more information, log on to AggieAthletics.com.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Thomas (17-3)
L: Sisk, Lindsey (14-4)

Base Running:
SB: Tysarczyk, Cassie 1

Batting:
2B: Marston 1
RBI: Marston 1 ; Fleming 1 ; Krebs 1
SH: Christopher 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Taylor 1 ; Hudson 1 ; Vock A. 1
CS: Simmons 1