Missouri held UCF scoreless through four innings before the Knights erupted for five runs in the fifth, handing the Tigers a 5-1 loss Wednesday at the UCF Softball Complex in Orlando, Florida.
Backed by a steady defense, starting pitcher Cierra Harrison kept the game close early, not allowing a hit until the fifth inning.
The Tigers were able to get runners on base throughout the afternoon, but ultimately couldn’t capitalize, managing one run in the second inning with a bases-loaded walk from Addy Waits.
The momentum flipped in the fifth inning after UCF second baseman Sierra Humphreys hit a leadoff home run, giving the Knights their first points of a busy fifth inning.
After a single put a runner on base, Missouri went to Marrisa McCann in relief. She immediately gave up a two-run home run to UCF catcher Beth Damon. With back-to-back singles following, a wild pitch scored a runner before a sacrifice fly scored one more, giving the Knights a four-run lead.
Missouri wasn’t able to mount a comeback, as hitting remained a problem for Mizzou. The Tigers ended with six hits, four walks and a hit by pitch, but only managed one run. By the time the night ended, Missouri was 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Sidney Forrester continued the strong start to her career, with a hit in her only at-bat. Kayley Lenger added a hit and walk of her own. In the top of the seventh, freshman Gracie Britton pinch-hit and came up with her first collegiate hit.
Mizzou got a double play in the bottom of the sixth to hold off more damage. Nathalie Touchet saw her first action of the season, finishing the game in relief for McCann.
Harrison was given the loss, as she allowed three hits over four innings without recording a strikeout. McCann followed by surrendering three hits in one inning, also without a strikeout, while Touchet ended the night with one hit in a scoreless frame.
The loss drops Missouri to 2-4 as it heads into the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational. There, the Tigers will play three impressive teams, including No. 7 UCLA, No. 9 Duke and FAU, one of the better mid-majors in softball.