The LSU Tigers softball team was eliminated in the SEC Tournament by Missouri 2-1 in extra innings on Friday. The Tigers now await their regional fate from the committee on Sunday.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Missouri went with Laurin Krings in the circle. She was effective early, holding the Tigers off the scoreboard in her first inning of work.
LSU countered with Kelley Lynch to the circle to start her second consecutive game. She also had a solid start to the game, working around two walks to post a zero in her first inning of work.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third. In that inning, Missouri got to Lynch with a solo home run from Maddie Gallagher. That gave Mizzou a 1-0 lead through three innings.
In the top of the fifth inning, LSU was able to draw even. Ali Newland got things going with a double. Then, she was driven in by another double, this one by Madyson Manning. That tied the score at 1-1, and prompted a pitching change for Mizzou.
The score remained 1-1 through the end of regulation and into extra innings. Neither team could get the offense going through the next several innings.
In the bottom of the eighth, Missouri was able to get the first two runners on. Back-to-back infield singles set the scene. After a wild pitch, they moved to second and third with no outs. Then, Gallagher game through yet again, this time with a sacrifice fly to win the game 2-1 for Missouri.
BIG NUMBER: 2
Just two runs were enough to win this game. After both pitching staffs thrived, Missouri was the first to get to two runs to win this semifinal matchup.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Maddie Gallagher
Gallagher drove in both Missouri runs in this game. Her solo home run got them even and her walk of sacrifice fly helped the Tigers advance to the SEC Tournament championship.
UP NEXT: LSU will likely be a regional host, and will get their fate from the selection committee on Sunday evening.