Laurin Krings Leads Missouri to Even the Series Against Duke

After dropping the opening game of the Super Regional, the Tigers came out seeking revenge today, refusing to end their season. Laurin Krings and the Missouri pitching staff led the way in the 3-1 win on Saturday

It was Krings faced off against Jala Wright again as they were in a pitcher’s duel through three innings. Both retired the first nine batters they faced combined with incredible defense from their outfield made for a quick start to the game. 

Amiah Burgess laid out in left field for an insane diving catch and D’Auna Jennings kept the ball in the park after casually leaping for fly balls in center field for Duke. Claire Cahalan was at full sprint and made an outstanding diving catch along the left field line and Alex Honnold wasn’t letting anything get by her in centerfield for Missouri. 

The first baserunner of the game didn’t appear until the fourth inning after a lopsided hit to Jada Baker made it impossible for her to make the throw to first in time. Missouri found its rhythm after Abby Hay doubled to right field to score two. Wright was pulled and replaced with Cassidy Curd, but Julia Crenshaw extended the lead with an RBI groundout scoring Hay. 

Duke broke through Krings in the fifth inning after Francesca Frelick sent a solo home run to left field. Krings was pulled and Marissa McCann came in for relief for a third of an inning before she walked her first runner. Taylor Pannell entered and Duke loaded up the bases. Ana Gold nearly hit a grand slam as it barely went foul. Pannell responded by striking her out. 

Pannell ended the game with a nasty changeup to Sarah Goddard to close her two-inning outing. Pannell tied the NCAA record for single-season saves at 15. 

A win tomorrow could make history for Duke, sending them to the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history. Missouri will look to reach the WCWS for the seventh time in program history and first since 2011.