Mizzou softball falls to Alabama in series-deciding Game 3

Carr's 3 RBI not enough in 4-3 loss to Crimson Tide

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:34pm

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After taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning, Mizzou softball could not hold on as No. 6 Alabama overpowered them 4-3 to win the series. Abby Carr had two home runs and three RBIs, but the Tigers' pitching staff could not contain the Crimson Tide's offense.

Why it matters

This loss drops Mizzou to 15-18 on the season and 1-5 in SEC play, with four of those five losses coming by a single run. The Tigers are struggling to close out close games against top opponents, which could hurt their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Mizzou took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on Abby Carr's two-run homer, but Alabama responded with three runs in the fourth inning, including a three-run shot from Ambrey Taylor. The Crimson Tide added an insurance run in the fifth, and despite Carr's second homer, Mizzou could not complete the comeback.

  • In the bottom of the second inning, Abby Carr hit a two-run homer to give Mizzou a 2-0 lead.
  • In the top of the fourth inning, Alabama scored three runs, including a three-run homer from Ambrey Taylor, to take a 3-2 lead.
  • In the top of the fifth inning, Alabama added an insurance run with a solo home run from Ana Roman.
  • In the bottom of the sixth inning, Abby Carr hit her second home run of the game to cut Alabama's lead to 4-3.
  • The game was played on March 22, 2026.

The players

Abby Carr

A key player for Mizzou softball, Carr had two home runs and three RBIs in the game.

Jocelyn Briski

The All-American pitcher for Alabama, who has only allowed six home runs this season but gave up two to Carr.

Larissa Anderson

The head coach of the Mizzou softball team, who praised Carr's competitiveness and clutch performance.

Marissa McCann

The Mizzou pitcher who started the game but struggled after a line drive came back at her face in the fourth inning.

Ambrey Taylor

The Alabama player who hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give the Crimson Tide the lead.

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What they’re saying

“She's just a special athlete that I'm enjoying coaching. So unbelievably competitive and clutch.”

— Larissa Anderson, Mizzou head coach

“I thought she threw extremely well until that ball came back to her. That's gonna rattle any pitcher, a ball coming back at your face. And I don't think she recovered from that.”

— Larissa Anderson, Mizzou head coach

“She's a Jersey girl. That's the way Jersey girls are. She's extremely competitive, very high energy. It's contagious. Obviously, the fans feed off of it. I mean, it's exciting. It's exciting to play behind her.”

— Larissa Anderson, Mizzou head coach

What’s next

The Tigers will next travel to face an Auburn team that is also struggling at 2-4 in SEC play. But first they hit the road to Illinois for a midweek showdown against SIUE at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This loss highlights Mizzou's struggles to close out close games against top opponents, which could hurt their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. However, the team remains competitive and has shown flashes of brilliance, led by standout performances from players like Abby Carr.