Duke beats Missouri in extras, advances to WCWS for the first time
For the first time in program history, Duke is headed to the Women’s College World Series after taking down Missouri 4-3 in a thrilling nine innings.
Similar to Saturday’s game, it was another pitcher’s duel in Columbia with Cassidy Curd and Lauren Krings showcasing incredible talent in the circle.
Defense was on display right behind these pitchers with D’Auna Jennings making another diving catch in center field to stop a double for Duke and Alex Honnold let nothing get through the gap in center field for Missouri.
The Tigers came close to ending the game in the bottom of the seventh with two outs when Julia Crenshaw ripped a single to center field, but Curd was lights out once again striking out Kara Daly.
Jennings stunned again today, this time at the plate in the ninth, sending a solo home run to right field.
THIS!!!!!!!!! 🔥 WAY TO GO, D!!!!!!!!
📺 ESPNU pic.twitter.com/IaIhmuOmQ3
— Duke Softball (@DukeSOFTBALL) May 27, 2024
Missouri sent the play to review to challenge whether Jennings touched the plate, but the call was upheld. From there, Missouri began to fall apart.
Insurance runs were quickly added after Amiah Burgess tripled down the right-field line to score Francesca Frelick. Ana Gold then doubled to right field scoring Burgess. Kelly Torres doubled to right field after a drop in the outfield from Missouri and Gold was able to advance.
In the bottom of the ninth, Curd exited after giving up two singles. Lillie Walker came in to close and gave up a home run to Abby Hay putting the score within one run.
With two outs, Curd returned to the mound and gave up another base hit. With the winning run at the plate, Madison Walker lined out to Jennings in center field, and the win was confirmed for the Blue Devils.
Curd finished off the outing with seven strikeouts and 107 pitches thrown.
Duke will move on to play Oklahoma on Thursday in Oklahoma City.
