Mizzou softball upsets Tennessee, scratches back to .500

TL;DR

Mizzou softball upset Tennessee with a 4-3 victory, improving their record to .500. The win enhances their chances for NCAA Tournament qualification, needing just one more win in the SEC Tournament.

Key points

Mizzou softball defeated Tennessee 4-3
The victory improved Mizzou's record to .500
Mizzou needs one more win in the SEC Tournament to qualify for NCAA
Stefania Abruscato and Abby Carr were instrumental in the win
Mizzou was facing postseason elimination before the game

Mizzou TigersTennessee Lady Volunteers

Mizzou softball puts its whole season on the line Saturday. After losing the first two against Tennessee in competitive showings, the Tigers were pushed to the brink of postseason elimination at one game under .500. But Mizzou continued to fight, as a 2-run rally in the bottom of the sixth helped lift them over the Lady Volunteers, 4-3.

This win greatly helps the Tigers’ NCAA Tournament odds, boosting their RPI and meaning they need just one win in the SEC Tournament to qualify at .500.

After Tennessee broke the tie in the top of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead, it put all the pressure on Mizzou. With a runner on first and two outs, Stefania Abruscato hit a single to extend the inning. Abby Carr took full advantage with another base hit, allowing both runners to score after the right fielder bobbled the ball. Carr worked her way into second on the play. And just like that, Mizzou had its first lead of the game. The inning came to a close with a strikeout, but Mizzou made its mark.

“The bobble in right field, and then seeing that the cut(off) went a lot deeper,” head coach Larissa Anderson said regarding her decision to wave both runners home. “We’re not going to have many opportunities to be able to score, so let’s get they have to throw-catch, throw-catch-tag, and all we have to do is run.”

After entering the game in the top of the sixth, Carr slammed the door shut in the seventh. She opened the door with a strikeout before a pair of outs in the field secured the victory, bringing the Tigers to 28-28 on the season.

Carr continued her work as a two-way star, ending her day 2-of-4 at the plate with an RBI. In the circle, she pitched 1 1/3 innings with no hits/runs allowed while striking out two and earning the win.

“Being focused on my one job, which was pitching in that moment,” Carr said. “My adrenaline was going after that hit, and looking at my teammates telling me I’m good, trusting my stuff, trusting what pitch is called, like I can do this, and I think that’s what helped me get success.”