Tag Archives: Mizzou

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.

Missouri Softball, SEC , , , , ,

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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Strong pitching and defense pace Missouri State past Mizzou baseball team

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 24, 2013

Text by Zach Garcia

Photos by John Guminski

Pitcher Jace James (10) delivers a first-inning strike. James pitched three innings, and allowed two runs.

Pitcher Jace James (10) delivers a pitch in the first inning. James pitched three innings, and allowed two runs on April 24, 2013 at Taylor Stadium in Columbia.

Missouri left fielder Dane Opel hit a line drive in the first inning almost perfectly. Almost.

Opel drove the ball 399 feet to straightaway center field, but could’ve used an extra 12 inches. Missouri State center fielder Tate Matheny jumped and crashed into the outfield wall to make a highlight reel catch, just before Opel’s line drive was about to carom off the 400-foot indicator.

“All you can do is smile on that one,” Opel said. “He made a good play.”

That play set the tone for the Missouri Tigers (13-23), who fell to in-state foe Missouri State 4-2 at Taylor Stadium on Wednesday. Starting pitcher Matt Hall carried the visiting Bears (26-11), going seven innings, while allowing one run on three hits and striking out six batters.

Despite an initial eight innings of frustration at the plate, Missouri mustered a ninth inning rally that, much like Opel’s first inning swing, came up just short. The Tigers put together a one-out rally that scored one run and put two more runners in scoring position. But pinch hitter Jake Ivory’s check-swing strikeout and second baseman Kendall Keeton’s ground out to the shortstop cut the comeback two runs short. Missouri State closing pitcher Grant Gordon notched a shaky save in the process, but did strike out three batters in two innings of relief to seal the 4-2 win.

Missouri State turned a handful of good defensive plays, following Matheny’s first inning catch at the wall. In the bottom of the second inning, Missouri State second baseman Andy Cheray made a play on a ground ball up the middle, and then threw across his body to beat Missouri catcher Dylan Kelly at first base.

In the fifth inning, Missouri State’s third baseman Joey Hawkins dove to catch a line drive down the third base line and recovered to throw out Keeton running to first base. In the seventh inning, Hawkins grabbed a hard hit ball by the Tigers shortstop Dillon Everett just before it hit the infield dirt, and then threw Kelly out at first base for a double play.

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Mizzou’s offense comes out cold against Western Kentucky

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 24, 2013

Text by Peter Terpstra

Photos by Karl Roskamp

Western Kentucky’s Emily Rousseau (right) high fives teammate Preslie Cruce after winning game one, 1-0 on April 24, 2013 at University Field in Columbia.

Western Kentucky’s Emily Rousseau (right) high fives teammate Preslie Cruce after winning game one, 1-0 on April 24, 2013 at University Field in Columbia.On Wednesday, coach Ehren Earleywine did not have to worry about pitching when he chose not to send Chelsea Thomas to the circle.

On Wednesday, coach Ehren Earleywine did not have to worry about pitching when he chose not to send Chelsea Thomas to the circle.

Instead, he worried about the offense—or lack there of.

No. 12 Missouri dropped the first game of a doubleheader against the Western Kentucky 1-0. Missouri then grabbed the second game of the afternoon 7-1 using a pitching combination of Nicole Hudson and Lindsey Muller. Throughout the two games, Missouri’s offense would mirror the state’s weather for the month of April: unseasonably cold with brief glimmers of warmth.

“[I’m] extremely frustrated with our hitters. No adjustments, they just continued to get jammed batter after batter after batter,” Earleywine said.

Missouri’s first at bats in game one would prove to be deceptive. The Tigers started off the game with bases loaded and no outs thanks to Emily Crane and Hudson walks along with a Jenna Marston single.

That would be the closest the Tigers got to a run for the entire first game.

“If you would have told us at the beginning of the day that they [Missouri pitchers] would have held [Western Kentucky] to a total of two runs over 14 innings, we would have said we would have won both games easily.” catcher Jenna Marston said. “That’s on us as hitters.”

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Mizzou concludes spring practices

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 18, 2013

By John Guminski

A group of offensive linemen listen to Max Copeland (long hair) tell a story. Thursday’s practice was the last spring practice for the Tigers.

A group of offensive linemen listen to Max Copeland (long hair) tell a story. Thursday’s practice was the last spring practice for the Tigers.

James Franklin (1) performs a handshake with wide receiver Marcus Lucas (85) on Thursday, April 18, at the Dan J. Devine Pavilion.

James Franklin (1) performs a handshake with wide receiver Marcus Lucas (85) on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the Dan J. Devine Pavilion.

Coach Gary Pinkel (facing camera) talks to the Tigers about the Black & Gold Game. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Faurot Field.

Coach Gary Pinkel (facing camera) talks to the Tigers about the Black & Gold Game. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Faurot Field.

The Missouri Tigers wrapped up their 2013 spring practice on Thursday afternoon at the Dan J. Devine Pavilion.

Players wore minimal padding during the practice; wearing only helmets. Gary Pinkel conducted a run-through of the pre-game ceremonies for the Black & Gold Game. The Black & Gold Game will be played at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Faurot Field. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Admission to the game is $3 or three cans of food to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.

Some other events for the weekend include:

10:30-11:15 a.m.: Ground breaking ceremony (East side of Memorial Stadium)

10:30-11:15 a.m.: Big Brothers/Big Sisters football clinic (Faurot Field)

11:30  a.m.: Former players reunion (Devine Pavillion)

Missouri Football, SEC , , , , , ,

Mizzou basketball adds Keanau Post from junior college to bolster frontcourt

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 17, 2013

By Matt Fairburn

Missouri added to its recruiting class on Wednesday, receiving an official commitment from Southwestern Illinois College center Keanau Post.

Missouri will lose Alex Oriakhi and Laurence Bowers to graduation, so Post provides some needed help in the frontcourt. Post joins Tony Criswell, Stefan Jankovic, Ryan Rosburg and Danny Feldman as the big men on the roster.

Criswell, who averaged 18.8 minutes per game last season, is the most experienced returning member of Missouri’s frontcourt. Post, a second team Junior College All-American, should have a chance to contribute immediately.

“We are excited to be adding Keanau to the program,” coach Frank Haith said in a press release. “Obviously he fills a big need for us inside and gives us depth at the center position. There’s no question that Keanau’s best basketball is ahead of him. He has really matured as a player over the last few seasons and he has the potential to be a significant contributor as his career progresses. I am really excited about his potential here at Mizzou.”

The 6-foot-11-inch Post joins Wes Clark, Torren Jones and Jonathan Williams III as part of this year’s recruiting class. The other three prospects were all ranked among the top 150 recruits in the country, according to Rivals.com

With the signing of Post, Missouri has three scholarships remaining during the rest of the spring signing period.

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Smith shines in Mizzou’s annual awards night

Leave a Comment Posted by on April 16, 2013

By Elaine Stockdale

Liz Smith grabs a defensive rebound against Eastern Illinois in Missouri's first round loss in the WNIT on March 20, 2013 at Mizzou Arena.

Liz Smith grabs a defensive rebound against Eastern Illinois in Missouri’s first round loss in the WNIT on March 20, 2013 at Mizzou Arena.

On April 14, the Missouri women’s basketball team held its annual end of season banquet. Awards were given out to players who had an outstanding season. Farewells for Missouri seniors Sydney Crafton, Liz Smith and Liene Priede were also made.

Smith won the Most Improved Player Award for her impressive forward jump in statistics since the 2011-12 season. The Johnson Community College transfer went from 1.6 rebounds per game to 5.3, and 1.5 points per game to 7.5 this season.

Smith also received the Dr. Joan Rutherford Award and Defensive Player of the Year award. Smith recorded 114 defensive rebounds and 25 blocks for the season. The Dr. Joan Rutherford Award recognizes her for her hard work as a student-athlete. In March, Smith was also awarded the 2013 Women’s Basketball Community Service Award by the Southeastern Conference. The award recognizes her dedication in helping the community. She was also awarded the Missouri’s Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award.

Morgan Eye also grabbed numerous awards. Eye received the Three Point Specialist Award. She set the record for most 3-pointers made (112) in the SEC for the season. She also broke Missouri’s single game record for 3-pointers made (11). The record was formerly held by Alyssa Hollins ,who set it in the 2007-08 season.

Eye also won the Free Throw Award, finishing the season as leader for percentage (79 percent) at the free throw line. The sophomore hit 19 of 24 free throw attempts.

Bri Kulas was awarded the Board Award finishing the season with an average of 6.5 rebounds per game. The junior was also nominated for All-SEC Second Team in March and lead the team in points (440) and rebounds (209) this season.

Sophomore Bree Fowler was named NSCA All-American 2013 Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year for success in the weight room. Fowler dedicated herself to improving her strength and conditioning. She can bench press 160 pounds and can squat 300 pounds.

Missouri also recognized the whole team for its efforts to finish off the season with significant improvements and developments in the program. Missouri made it to post season for the first time since 2006-07 season and had a home record of 14-5. It was Missouri’s first season in the SEC and the team recorded 263 three-pointers, the most in the SEC by any team for the season. The previous SEC record was 248.

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