Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Tigers Roar to Victory Over Ranked Bulldogs

University of Missouri softball team celebrating victory

News Summary

The University of Missouri softball team achieved a stunning 12-8 victory against the No. 15/16 Mississippi State Bulldogs on April 12, 2025. The Tigers not only tied the series at 1-1 but also improved their overall record to 21-23. The game featured an impressive offensive display from Missouri, including strong performances from multiple players and a dynamic pitching effort. This win marks the sixth victory for Missouri over a top-25 ranked opponent this season, building excitement for their upcoming games.

Columbia, Missouri – Tigers Roar to Victory Over Ranked Bulldogs

It was a thrilling day for the University of Missouri softball team as they battled their way to a stunning 12-8 victory against the No. 15/16 Mississippi State Bulldogs on April 12, 2025. This win not only tied the series at 1-1 after a tough first game defeat but also helped the Tigers improve their record to 21-23 overall and 3-11 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With this impressive win, Missouri has now claimed six victories against top-25 ranked opponents this season.

Scoring Frenzy Leads to a Big Win

The game kicked off in style with Missouri quickly taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Tigers executed a powerful offensive strategy that saw eight players come to the plate. Taylor Ebbs started the scoring parade with a two-run double, following up with an RBI single from Abby Hay. An unfortunate Mississippi State error allowed Hay to dash home safely. Kayley Lenger also contributed to the early fireworks with her second home run of the season, pushing Missouri’s lead to 5-0 in the second inning.

But like any great story, there was a twist! Mississippi State fought back valiantly in the second inning, scoring five runs and including their own grand slam to tie the game at 5-5. The crowd was on the edge of their seats!

Fourth-Inning Surge Secures the Win

grand slam—her second career grand slam and her team-leading 15th home run of the season. If she hits just one more home run, she could land in the top eight for single-season homers at Mizzou!

Stefania Abruscato kept the momentum rolling, adding her second double of the day and finishing with an impressive 2-for-4 performance with an RBI. And let’s not forget about Taylor Ebbs, who launched her eighth home run of the season in the sixth inning, further solidifying her status as one of the team’s key players with her personal-best three hits (3-for-4) for the day.

Pitching Highlights

8-9 for the season. She pitched a gritty 5.2 innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits while striking out four batters. With solid contributions from her teammates Jayci Kruse and Taylor Pannell—who closed out the game while striking out two batters—this dynamic pitching trio surely had fans cheering loudly.

Offensive Powerhouse

14 hits that included five doubles and three home runs. Four players showcased their offensive prowess with multi-hit games, contributing to an exhilarating display of power and precision.