Tag Archives: missouri

Mizzou’s Thomas earns record fifth Pitcher of the Week honor this season

Leave a Comment Posted by on May 6, 2013

By Karl Roskamp

Missouri pitcher Chelsea Thomas delivers a pitch. She threw a complete game and allowed one earned run, but ended up losing for the fourth time this season on April 13, 2013.

Missouri pitcher Chelsea Thomas delivers a pitch on April 13, 2013.

The Southeastern Conference named Missouri senior Chelsea Thomas the SEC Pitcher of the Week for the fifth time this season on Monday afternoon.

The award gives Thomas a tie with former Tennessee pitcher Monica Abbott for the most SEC Pitcher of the Week recognitions in one season.  Abbott achieved the feat in 2005.  The award gives Thomas 17 Pitcher of the Week awards for her career.

Thomas pitched her 11th complete game no-hitter of her career in a 2-0 win over No. 4 Tennessee.  It was the first time Tennessee had been no-hit since 2002.  Thomas totaled seven strikeouts, three walks and one hit-by-pitch and improved her season record to 20-4.  The win gives her 13 conference wins this season, the most in the SEC.

Thomas will take the circle again at the SEC Tournament against No. 22 Arkansas on Thursday at 3 p.m. at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Ky.

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Mizzou to face Arkansas in SEC Tournament

Leave a Comment Posted by on May 6, 2013

By Karl Roskamp

It’s been a winding journey for No. 11 Missouri as it gears up to play No. 22 Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Thursday.

Missouri has dealt with transfers, injuries and erratic weather en route to a three-seed in the SEC tournament.  The culmination of those factors has lead to the Tigers being a tired team.

“This time of the year, you’re so exhausted,” coach Ehren Earleywine said during a teleconference Monday afternoon.

Earleywine is taking a hands off approach to the tournament.  He plans on having players rest and study film, rather than practicing in Lexington. “If you don’t have it now, you won’t have it then,” Earleywine said.

Despite the factors leading to a tired team, players should not be overwhelmed playing in a new conference tournament.  First, Tennessee co-coach Karen Weekley called the Tigers “SEC ready” based on the team’s high-caliber of coaching, hitting and pitching.

Secondly, Missouri did not have the tournament on its radar.

“At the start of the year, it was not one of our goals to win the SEC Tournament,” Earleywine said.

Earleywine is focused on the Super Regional and sees the tournament as a tune-up.  If he had his way, there wouldn’t even be a conference tournament.

“I’m not a fan of the SEC Tournament, or any post-season conference tournament,” Earleywine said, describing it as “anticlimactic” and fatiguing.

Fatigue was a major factor in Missouri’s previous series against Arkansas, when the Razorbacks took two out of three games at University Field on national television.  The Tigers will play on Thursday May 8, at 3 p.m. at John Cropp Stadium.

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Poor weather shortens Mizzou softball season

1 Comment Posted by on May 2, 2013

By Karl Roskamp

If you look at the Southeastern Conference softball standings, No. 11 Missouri is last in one major category.

The Tigers have played the fewest games this season by a large margin.  Missouri has played 40 games so far while conference foe Ole Miss has played the most games with 56.

“This season has been something completely out of the norm for us, and unfortunately something we could not control,” coach Ehren Earleywine said Thursday in a statement released by the Missouri Athletic Department.

Missouri has cancelled 14 games already this season, but hat they lose in terms of in-game experience, they’ve gained in valuable time practicing.

“We have scrimmaged against ourselves more than any other season, which is certainly not a bad thing,” Earleywine said.

The inclement weather is not expected to let up any time soon.  For Missouri’s series this weekend against No. 4 Tennessee,the national weather service rain on all three days.  According to Patrick Crawford, the team’s Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, if the games get rained out, they won’t be rescheduled.

“There would be no chance for makeup, nor would the SEC reschedule the games in any other circumstance,” Crawford said.  “Additional games across the conference have gone un-rescheduled, as well.”

Earleywine says at least the unpredictable weather has made for a compelling season.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever had as much drama as I’ve had this year between the weather and our pitching situation and trying to figure who we are as a team,” Earleywine said.

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Mizzou is out hit by SEMO in a 9-7 loss

Leave a Comment Posted by on May 1, 2013

Text by John Guminski

Photos by Zach Garcia

Southeast Missouri State first baseman Matt Tellor (19) celebrates with his teammates after defeating Missouri 9-7 on Tuesday. Tellor hit a tie-breaking, solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to put the Tigers away for good in a back-and-forth game on April 30, 2013 at Taylor Stadium in Columbia.

Southeast Missouri State first baseman Matt Tellor (19) celebrates with his teammates after defeating Missouri 9-7 on Tuesday. Tellor hit a tie-breaking, solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to put the Tigers away for good in a back-and-forth game on April 30, 2013 at Taylor Stadium in Columbia.

Before Missouri (15-25) recorded an out on Tuesday evening, it took a blow both on the scoreboard and to its outfield.

With a runner on first, left fielder Case Munson made a sprawling attempt at a sinking line drive, only to come up short. Munson immediately grabbed for his shoulder as the ball rolled all the way to the wall.

By the time the relay throw came to home, it was too late, and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (21-25) had a two run lead.

Munson left the game, but coach Tim Jamieson is hopeful that he will be able to play this weekend at Texas A&M.

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Home runs lead Auburn to a 3-1 victory over Mizzou

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 27, 2013

Text by John Guminski

Photos by Zach Garcia

Auburn starting pitcher Conner Kendrick throws a pitch during the fifth inning of Auburn’s 3-1 win at Taylor Stadium on Friday April 26, 2013.

Auburn starting pitcher Conner Kendrick throws a pitch during the fifth inning of Auburn’s 3-1 win at Taylor Stadium on Friday April 26, 2013.

Starting pitcher Rob Zastryzny knows that he is the person to blame when things go wrong.

“He didn’t get a hold of me, I let him get a hold of me.” Zastryzny said.

Zastryznyis referring to Auburn’s first basemen Garrett Cooper, who hit the second of his two solo home runs on an 0-2 breaking ball that was over the middle of the plate.

Zastryzny allowed three runs while striking out eleven batters, but the home runs were the difference maker in the 2-run loss

“You can make any hitter good and that’s what I did today.” Zastryzny continued. “I’ll take this one on me. It’s really frustrating and knowing this was a team we needed to beat to we needed to beat to get to the tournament, it hurts a little more. I’m sure Brett Graves will pick me up tomorrow because that’s what he does.”

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Offense carries Mizzou to win over Arkansas

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 13, 2013

By Karl Roskamp

The Missouri Tigers softball team shakes hands with the Arkansas softball team April 12, 2013 at University Field in Columbia Mo.

The Missouri Tigers softball team shakes hands with the Arkansas softball team on April 12, 2013 at University Field in Columbia Mo.

Kelsea Roth and Mackenzie Sykes combined for six hits and six runs batted in to lift No. 8 Missouri to a 9-0 run rule victory over Arkansas on Friday night at University Field.

The Tigers’ (24-4, 9-3 Southeastern Conference) victory came after two losses at Alabama last weekend. Junior Mackenzie Sykes said losing the series in Tuscaloosa was a motivating factor going into Friday’s game.

“As a team, we didn’t feel like we played that bad (against Alabama) but we wanted to come out here today and make sure we didn’t have a let down.”

Sykes had three hits in three at bats in the game, including a solo home run in the bottom of the third.  Sophomore Kelsea Roth had three hits too and four RBIs including a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure a run-rule victory.

“She drilled that ball, it was a line drive home run,” Sykes said of Roth’s home run.  “You can’t hit it any better than that.”

“I was just trying to save our pitching and hopefully get through the five innings so we can save Chelsea as much as we can,” Roth said.

The home run ended the game in the fifth inning and locked up career victory number 102 for Chelsea Thomas, the most in program history.

“That’s pretty special to be part of history for Mizzou softball,” Thomas said.  “I’m very grateful to be here and have a chance to do that.”

Thomas pitched four shutout innings, struck out five batters, allowed two hits and walked two hitters.  Thomas improved to a 15-3 record on the season. Senior Nicole Hudson finished the game by pitching the bottom of the fifth.  She did not allow any runs or hits, and walked one batter.  Even though she pitched one inning, coach Ehren Earleywine saw the value in her performance.

“That was big. Nicole coming probably saved (Thomas) 10 or 12 or 15 pitches,” Earleywine said.

Earleywine was not without apprehension coming into the game after how the Tigers played against Alabama.

“My worry was that she was going to come out guns a blazing and throwing the backside out of it,” he said. “She pitched under control for the most part and tried to locate and so we’re in a good position for tomorrow.”

Missouri will face Arkansas on Saturday at 2 p.m. at University Field.

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Sophomore Kyley Simmons transferring from Mizzou women’s basketball

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 2, 2013

By Elaine Stockdale

Missouri's Kyley Simmons replaced starting point guard Lianna Doty after Doty fouled out late in the second half on Feb. 3, 2013 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.

Missouri’s Kyley Simmons replaced starting point guard Lianna Doty after Doty fouled out late in the second half on Feb. 3, 2013 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.

Sophomore Kyley Simmons will be transferring from Missouri due to personal reasons. The news was announced yesterday by Missouri women’s basketball head coach Robin Pingeton.

Simmons was starting point guard for the Tigers last season, but shared the role this year with freshman point guard Lianna Doty.

Simmons started in 27 of 32 games for Missouri and averaged 24.5 minutes per game this year. She also managed a total of 82 assists to 48 turnovers and 37 steals.

Simmons shed light on her decision to leave in a statement released yesterday by the Missouri women’s basketball team.

“Missouri has been great for me these past two years, and it’s a difficult decision to leave,” Simmons said in the statement. “My family and I agree that it is in my best interest to continue my education and career elsewhere.”

In her freshman year, during the 2011-12 season, Simmons was named on the All-Big 12 Freshman Team. She started in all 31 games, averaging 36 minutes per game. Simmons had 111 assists and 89 turnovers as a freshman,

In February, Doty spoke about Simmons importance to the team and how Simmons helped her development.

“We’ve linked arms on everything we do, so it’s been really good having her (Simmons) there,” Doty said in February. “When she talks to me, I listen to her, when I’m talking she’s the one right next to me.”

Doty replaced Simmons as starting point guard in the Tigers third game this season. As a result Pingeton started working on developing Simmons into a shooting guard throughout the season. However, in the limited time Simmons played juggling to grasp that role and fill in at the point for Doty, she didn’t quite fulfill the requirements. She shot 33 percent overall and averaged 29 percent for 3-pointers.

“We are sorry to see Kyley leave,” Pingeton said in a statement. “She was part of our first recruiting class here at Mizzou and we will miss her. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.”

Simmons transfer leaves the point guard role solely to Doty. Doty had troubles late in the season with high turnover rates – she averaged 4.7 per game this season and fouled out in eight games. This may have led to her absence as starting point guard in the final seven games of the season.

But despite the troubles, Doty made the 2012-13 SEC All Freshman team this year and was fifth overall season leader in the SEC for assists (151).

Overall, Simmons recorded 193 assists in her two-year career with Missouri.

Pingeton said through a spokesman, “She (Simmons) will forever hold a very special place in all of our hearts. Although we were a bit surprised by her decision, we understand and respect that she has chosen to make a change for personal reasons.”

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Mizzou’s season comes to an end in WNIT opener at home

Leave a Comment Posted by on March 21, 2013

By Elaine Stockdale

The Mizzou Tigers lose 60-58 to Eastern Illinois in the first round of the WNIT at Mizzou Arena Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

The Mizzou Tigers lose 60-58 to Eastern Illinois in the first round of the WNIT at Mizzou Arena Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

With nine seconds left in the game, the Missouri Tigers chance to extend its first postseason appearance since the 2006-07’ Women’s National Invitation Tournament came to a close.

After a time out taken by the Tigers with ten seconds remaining in the game, Missouri had one last possession to tie or win the game. But the Tigers failed to capitalize in front of a 1,551 crowd, falling 60-58 to Eastern Illinois at Mizzou Arena Wednesday night.

With 19 seconds left, Eastern Illinois’ Ta’Kenya Nixon made a shot that put the Panthers two points ahead of Missouri – who held the lead over the Panthers for most of the second half. The Panthers went on an 8-0 run in the last six minutes of the game, bringing the Tigers lead down and closing the gates on Missouri’s season.

Junior Bri Kulas and senior Sydney Crafton were stand outs for the Tigers – each finishing with the highest points scored for Missouri with 12. Kulas also contributed seven rebounds, Crafton with three.

The Tigers shot 25 – 62 from the field and 7 for 20 on 3-pointers. The Tigers finished with 16 assists and 35 rebounds while the Panthers had seven assists and 29 rebounds.

Missouri ended its season at 17 – 15. Wednesday’s loss made it five straight postseason losses for the Tigers.

“Tonight wasn’t our night,” Missouri coach Robin Pingeton said. “I hate to think we were tight, but in the first half we did play a bit panicky and a bit rushed, we weren’t as poised as I would have liked us to be.”

Eastern Illinois (20-11)  were regular season champions in the Ohio Valley conference.

“I felt like we had our chances there at the end, I felt like Illinois came in like a veteran team and really had us on our heels,” Pingeton said. “They just came in and took it, there’s a reason they’ve had such a solid year.”

Missouri center Liz Smith managed nine points and eight rebounds for the game, guard Kyley Simmons contributed six points and two rebounds.

Nixon finished with a game high of 27 points, five steals and three rebounds.

“Nixon’s a special player, we didn’t have an answer for her tonight,” Pingeton said.

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Opel homers twice, Mizzou baseball splits doubleheader with Arkansas State

Leave a Comment Posted by on March 20, 2013

By Zach Garcia

Missouri left fielder Dane Opel (left) is greeted by teammate Case Munson (right) after Opel homered in the bottom of the fourth of game two on Tuesday. The home run was Opel’s second of the day, who had four hits and batted in five runs over the course of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Arkansas State.

Missouri left fielder Dane Opel (left) is greeted by teammate Case Munson after Opel homered in the bottom of the fourth of the second game on Tuesday. The home run was Opel’s second of the day.

Entering its doubleheader with visiting Arkansas State on Tuesday, the Missouri baseball team had not hit a home run through its first 15 games of the season. On Tuesday, Dane Opel connected for two homers on his own.

Opel had a big day at the plate, going 4-6 with three runs scored and five runs batted in, as Missouri (7-10) split its doubleheader with Arkansas State (15-7).

The Tigers cruised to a 5-1 victory in game one, with four of those runs coming off the bat of Opel along with starting pitcher Jace James securing the win. James pitched six and 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and one run, while striking out a season-high eight batters.

During the second game, Missouri scored two runs in the seventh inning to tie the game. Arkansas State then scored seven unanswered runs in the top of the eighth inning. Four Missouri relief pitchers (two of which pitched in the first game) were called upon in the frame. All of the runs came with two out in the eighth inning, and pitcher John Miles (1 2/3 innings pitched, two hits and two unearned runs) was tagged with the loss for Missouri as Arkansas State salvaged a doubleheader split with a 10-3 Game 2 win.

Missouri resumes Southeastern Conference play this weekend, with a three-game series on the road against Tennessee (10-9) in Knoxville, Tenn. The Tigers are 0-6 away from Taylor Stadium this season, but haven’t played an away game since their Feb. 24 loss at Memphis.

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Mizzou’s Chelsea Thomas Wins Third SEC Pitcher of the Week

Leave a Comment Posted by on March 18, 2013

By Karl Roskamp

Missouri's starting pitcher, Chelsea Thomas, during the first inning against Evansville on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Thomas earned her 1,000th strike out in the game and earned the win.

Missouri’s starting pitcher, Chelsea Thomas, during the first inning against Evansville on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Thomas earned her 1,000th strike out in the game and earned the win.

Missouri pitcher Chelsea Thomas won three games en route to her third Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week award this season.

The Tigers were 4-0 in her four starts and were 5-0 for the week. Thomas (7-1) threw 18 innings, struck out 22 batters and allowed seven hits and two earned runs.

Thomas threw a complete game and stuck out 10 batters in her first start of the week, with a 3-1 victory over Evansville on Wednesday. Thomas allowed two hits, including a home run to Kayla Fortner in the top of the seventh inning.

Over the weekend, Thomas started all three road games against Mississippi and earned two wins.  She and Nicole Hudson combined for a no hitter on Friday as the Tigers beat the Rebels 11-0. Thomas has been a part of 11 no-hitters in her career. Thomas threw a complete game and allowed one run in a 6-1 win Saturday and was pulled after three shutout innings as No. 8 Missouri won 12-0 on Sunday.

Thomas has now won Pitcher of the Week 15 times in her career, including awards won in the Big 12 Conference.

Missouri’s next game is scheduled for Saturday against Georgia Tech in a double header at University Field.

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