Mizzou shuts down seventh inning rally, captures rivalry win over Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KMIZ)

No. 16 Mizzou Softball is returning home with a Border Showdown victory over Kansas. The Tigers held on to capture a 3-2 win over the rival Jayhawks on Wednesday night, stranding the tying run on first base in the final frame to end the game.

Larissa Anderson's crew entered the seventh inning with a 3-0 lead, but two runs scored on a fielding error with two outs to make it a one-run ballgame. However, Taylor Pannell struck out the very next batter she faced to snap Mizzou's three-game losing skid.

Collectively, the MU pitching staff had a strong outing. Cierra Harrison got the start in the circle, tossing four scoreless frames and allowing just three hits. Laurin Krings took over for Harrison in the fifth inning, posting two scoreless innings and three strikeouts. Finally, Pannell had two unearned runs cross the plate while she was in the circle, but she did earn the save.

Five different Tigers recorded a hit in this contest, including a two-hit performance from Kayley Lenger. Jenna Laird, Alex Honnold and Madison Walker each posted an RBI in the game.

Up next - Mizzou returns to SEC action on Friday, March 22 with an important three-game weekend series against No. 3 LSU. First pitch for Friday's series opener is scheduled for 5 p.m.