Big First Inning Helps Mizzou Softball to First SEC Series Win of 2026

Missouri softball scored five runs in the first inning to defeat Auburn 6-3 on Saturday.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with overlapping planes of color and motion capturing the energy and drama of the first inning where Missouri took advantage of fielding mistakes.A cubist interpretation of the key moments from Missouri's first SEC series win of 2026, with the sun-induced errors by Auburn's center fielder as the focal point.Auburn Today

Missouri softball scored five runs in the first inning, taking advantage of a pair of errors by Auburn center fielder Ma'Nia Womack due to the sun, to defeat Auburn 6-3 on Saturday. Missouri starting pitcher Marissa McCann earned the win, allowing three earned runs on two hits with five walks and seven strikeouts over 3.2 innings. Courtney Donahue pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to earn the save.

Why it matters

This was Missouri's first SEC series win of the 2026 season, a positive step for the Tigers as they look to build momentum in conference play. The win also highlighted the team's ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes, a key factor in winning close games.

The details

Missouri scored five runs in the first inning, with the big blows coming on a pair of errors by Auburn center fielder Ma'Nia Womack due to the sun. Stefania Abruscato and Addy Waits scored on Womack's first error, and Sidney Forrester scored on Womack's second error. Missouri added two more runs in the first on RBI doubles from Abby Carr and Sophie Smith. Abruscato then hit a solo home run in the second inning to make it 6-1 Missouri. Auburn got runs back on a solo home run by Alyssa Hastings and a sacrifice fly by McKaela Walker, but Courtney Donahue pitched 3.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the save.

  • Missouri scored five runs in the top of the first inning.
  • Stefania Abruscato hit a solo home run for Missouri in the top of the second inning.
  • The game was played on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Ma'Nia Womack

Auburn's center fielder who committed two errors due to the sun in the first inning.

Marissa McCann

Missouri's starting pitcher, who earned the win after allowing three earned runs on two hits with five walks and seven strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

Courtney Donahue

Missouri's relief pitcher, who pitched 3.1 scoreless innings to earn the save.

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What’s next

Missouri will look to complete the series sweep over Auburn on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

Missouri's ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes, like the sun-induced errors by Auburn's center fielder, was a key factor in their first SEC series win of the 2026 season. The Tigers' balanced offensive attack and strong relief pitching also played a big role in the victory.