Another Missouri softball game, another strong pitching performance from Chelsea Thomas. In fact, strong might be an understatement. The Tigers won their fifth straight regional championship this weekend and a major part of the win was Thomas' dominance on the mound, holding the Illinois State Redbirds hitless through 4-plus innings. Overall, Thomas allowed only 1 run in 7 innings of work in the 2-1 victory.
From the Mizzou release, "After retiring the first twelve batters, the Redbirds broke up Chelsea Thomas' no-hit bid in the bottom of the fifth when Elizabeth Kay hit a leadoff single to centerfield. A hit by pitch to Laura Canopy put runners on first and second, and Caiti Kopp's sacrifice bunt advances the runners to second and third. An intentional walk to Kolby Hamilton loaded the bases, but Thomas was able to get out the inning unscathed by striking out Sara Bradley."
Now the Tigers move on to the Super Regional round. The Tigers will face LSU with the winner advancing to the 2012 Women's College World Series.