Inconsistency plagues Tigers’ hitters

This time around, the Tigers didn’t hit, getting only four in a 5-1 loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday at University Field.

Friday night, Missouri won 5-2 against Oklahoma State and the same starter, Jessica Hoppock.

“I don’t know why we couldn’t get hits,” sophomore Micaela Minner said. “It was the same team and the same pitcher as yesterday. When we don’t hit we put pressure on (pitcher) Jen (Bruck). We didn’t even hit in our only run, she was walked in.”

Missouri (20-18, 4-5) has been streaky this season, losing six games then winning their past three before Saturday’s loss. Assistant coach Autumn Eastes said that has to do with a lack of intensity.

“It was extremely disappointing today,” Eastes said. “We just need the girls to come out and play with guts. Nothing changed from yesterday to today. It’s gotten so bad that we have to make the lineup right before the game, because of inconsistency and girls not showing up ready to play.

“We don’t know who will be ready to play each game. We have about five girls that show up every game ready to play, but it takes nine to win in softball.”

Bruck, a sophomore, started out well, giving up only two runs through the first six innings. But two errors in the seventh caused Bruck to give up three more runs. She had two balls hit back to the mound. One she threw in the dirt toward second and another she threw in the dirt toward first.

“I’ve had a problem all year long trying to make those throws,” Bruck said. “It’s completely mental. I’m still thinking about the hit and not the throw.”

MU used three pinch hitters late in the game.

“We understand that it is a message when (the coaches) put in pinch hitters,” Minner said. “It says that we aren’t getting the job done.”

Bruck said the players should not make too much of the changes.

“I don’t think there is added pressure when the coaches are switching people in and out,” Bruck said. “It just gives us the opportunity to see who will fight back and win the starting job. Everyone wants to play, so it’s about who fights the hardest.

“It’s understanding that they sub us out, because we have a lot of potential. We have the potential to be at the top of the Big 12. We expected to win two out of two (against OSU) and we expect to win every game, so it is disappointing.”