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Float On: Mizzou softball thumps BYU

Sanchez's blast set the stage for a run-rule victory for the Tigers.
Sanchez's blast set the stage for a run-rule victory for the Tigers.
MUTigers.com

The Mizzou Softball team run-ruled BYU 9-0 in five innings Thursday night during the first round of the NCAA Columbia Regional. Advancing to the winners bracket, the Tigers will be hosting Nebraska on Friday with a game time set at 1:00 p.m.

Paige Lowary was in the circle the entire game, achieving her 12th complete game while striking out a total of five batters.

“I felt really good,” Lowary said. “The team scored a lot of runs, so I went out there and just pitched.”

The Tigers took a quick 1-0 lead in the first followed by Amanda Sanchez’s huge grand slam to right to gain the 7-0 advantage. As Sanchez approached the batter’s box, a hot air balloon flew by in left field with a sign that read, “E” symbolizing the support for head coach Ehren Earleywine.

“I thought it was an awesome moment to capture,” Sanchez said. “It symbolizes a lot; just how much Coach E means to us.”

“It is humbling,” Earleywine said. “It’s the greatest compliment that you could give a coach. I’m really honored.”

The Tigers weren’t ready to quit there. With combined RBI singles by Emily Crane and Taylor Gadbois, Mizzou took the 9-0 lead in the third.

“I’m proud of the team,” Earleywine said. “Paige threw strikes, we got runners on board, and got a couple of big hits. Amanda had the biggest. We are looking forward to playing Nebraska tomorrow.”

Confirmed by Emily Crane on Wednesday, the softball team is no longer playing in protest of the Missouri Athletic Department and AD Mack Rhoades, but the investigation continues on alleged verbal abuse by Earleywine

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