No. 12 Missouri got the best of No. 25 Auburn in game 1 of a 3-game set in Columbia on Friday afternoon.
Although Auburn’s starting pitcher, and reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year, [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag] (6-3) came into the game boasting a dazzling ERA, it was Missouri starter Laurin Krings (8-2) who stole the show on the mound.
Missouri jumped out to an early lead thanks to cleanup hitter Kara Daly’s 2-run, first-inning moonshot off of the aforementioned Penta.
From there, both pitchers settled in for the middle innings. Krings in particular was dominant, retiring 9 Auburn hitters in a row after walking her first batter of the game.
That run of retired Tigers in a row ending when Makayla Packer drew a leadoff walk to open the top half of the fourth. The speedy senior went on to steal a base and score on an Amelia Lech single later that inning. Junior Nelia Peralta tied the score with a single of her own just one batter later.
Unfortunately for Auburn, the rally ended with a runner in scoring position. That would be the final chance the Tigers had at scoring for the remainder of the night against a dominant Laurin Krings.
The senior received 3 final runs of support in the bottom of the fifth when Julia Crenshaw walloped a 3-run shot that ended up being the difference.
Krings did the rest from there, finishing a complete game, 9 strikeout win. She only allowed two hits.
Missouri may have one the opener, but Auburn still has an opportunity to steal the first series of the SEC season if it can win tomorrow and Sunday.
First pitch for tomorrow’s game 2 matinee matchup is scheduled for 2 PM CST, rain permitting.
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