University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
20-7, 0
#18 Missouri
20-4, 0
#18 Missouri Edges #14 UT, 9-8
March 21, 2015 | Softball
Box Score |
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Annie Aldrete and Scarlet McSwain hit three-run homers in the first inning but No. 14 Tennessee could not survive a late surge by No. 18 Missouri, falling to the Tigers, 9-8, on Saturday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Tennessee (20-7, 2-3 SEC) scored six runs in the first inning and added runs in the fourth and fifth. Missouri (20-4, 4-1 SEC) scored one run in the second and two in the fourth before pouring on six in the sixth.
McSwain smashed two home runs in the game, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs. Aldrete finished 2-for-4 with the home run and an RBI single.
Erin Gabriel (10-3) took the loss after entering in the sixth and giving up three runs, including Mizzou's go-ahead ninth run. Gretchen Aucoin started, allowed five runs (four earned) and struck out four over six innings. Cheyanne Tarango pitched in the sixth, did not record an out and was charged with one run.
Paige Lowary (10-0) earned the win after allowing eight runs over 6.1 innings. Tori Finucane recorded two outs in the seventh before Lowary re-entered to get the game's final out.
Tennessee took command of the game with a six-run first inning. With one out, Aldrete smashed a 1-0 pitch over the wall in right for a three-run homer and her sixth blast of the season. Three batters later, McSwain hammered a 1-2 pitch over the scoreboard in left field for another three-run homer and her first SEC homer.
Missouri plated one run in the top of the second inning. With one out, Kirsten Mack reached on a fielder's choice, driving in Corrin Genovese from third base.
The Tigers clawed their way back to within 6-3 in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, Kelsea Roth hit an RBI single to right center. Three batters later, Kayla Kingsley beat out a single to the pitcher and Roth scored from third base.
The Lady Vols pushed their lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth when Aldrete clubbed a two-out RBI single to right center, plating Megan Geer from third base.
UT's lead grew to 8-3 in the fifth inning when McSwain ripped a one-out solo homer to left field.
Missouri rallied with six runs in the sixth to seize momentum and take the wind out of the home crowd's sails. Tarango replaced Aucoin in the circle after Aucoin issued a single and a walk. With two on, Tarango threw six-straight balls, loading the bases. Gabriel entered the circle and walked Alyssa Cousins with the bases loaded. Taylor Gadbois was hit by a pitch in the following at-bat, bringing Mizzou to within 8-5. After a strikeout, Sami Fagan hit a three-RBI double to left field to knot the game at 8-8. With two outs, Amanda Sanchez hit an RBI single through the right side to give the Tigers the lead.
Tennessee and Missouri will conclude this week's three-game series on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET. That game will feature a live audio broadcast on WNML 990 AM and UTSports.com with Brian Rice on the call.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's game and can be purchased at the gate or online at UTTIX.com.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Paige Lowary (10-0)
L: Gabriel, Erin (10-3)
Batting:
2B: Sami Fagan 2
RBI: Taylor Gadbois 1 ; Sami Fagan 3 ; Amanda Sanchez 1 ; Kelsea Roth 1 ; Kirsten Mack 1 ; Kayla Kingsley 1 ; Alyssa Cousins 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Taylor Gadbois 1 ; Corrin Genovese 3 ; Kelsea Roth 2 ; Kirsten Mack 1 ; Angela Randazzo 1 ; Kayla Kingsley 1
HBP: Taylor Gadbois 1 ; Amanda Sanchez 1
Batting:
2B: Geer, Megan 1
HR: Aldrete, Annie 1 ; McSwain, Scarlet 2
RBI: Aldrete, Annie 4 ; McSwain, Scarlet 4
SH: Gregg, Meghan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Gaffin, Rainey 1 ; Geer, Megan 2 ; Aldrete, Annie 1 ; Aucoin, Gretchen 1 ; Koenig, Taylor 1 ; McSwain, Scarlet 2
HBP: Koenig, Taylor 2 ; McSwain, Scarlet 1
