Mizzou falls to No. 20 LSU in run-rule fashion in series opener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

For second time this season, the Mizzou softball team suffered a loss in run-rule fashion. The Tigers fell to the No. 20 LSU Tigers 9-1 in six innings to open up a three-game series, on Thursday night.

The loss moved head coach Larissa Anderson and her team to 20-19 overall in 2026 and 4-6 in Southeastern Conference play.

It was a tale of two very different nights at the dish for each Tiger team. While everything was going LSU's way at the plate, Mizzou couldn't seem to find its footing against pitcher Jayden Heavener. The LSU starter tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on a bases loaded walk in the final inning, while fanning 11 batters.

Despite Heavener's stellar night in the circle, Mizzou did have its chances. However, the Tigers were never able to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-6 in that category.

MU senior pitcher Cierra Harrison managed to keep it to a two-run game all the way until the sixth inning. That's when the LSU offense blew the series opener wide open with a seven-run frame. Harrison finished her night throwing for 5.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out four batters.

Pitcher Courtney Donahue came in in relief in that tumultuous sixth inning, after Harrison let a two-run homer go to make a 4-0 ball game. But, she couldn't extinguish the fire on the Baton Rouge Tigers' bats, either. After Donahue took the circle, LSU scored on a couple of RBI singles and a two-run home run to get up by nine runs.

Although Mizzou was able to add on one run in the bottom of the sixth inning, it was too little too late.

Up next - Coach Anderson and company will look to even up the series against No. 20 LSU on Friday at 3 p.m. in Columbia.