Lions' offense picked up by Tinkler, rest of supporting cast in 2026
Every team in the MIAA worries about Katie Gray when they see they're facing the green and gold of Missouri Southern State University on the softball field. That is evident by the 36 walks she's drawn. Add the 11 times she's been hit by a pitch and you have 47 plate appearances in which the bat has been practically taken out of her hands.
Gray has 25 fewer runs batted in this year than last year because of the reduced opportunities. Her batting average is only three points lower than last year's . 371 mark she set for a career best.
But her slugging percentage is up by nearly 100 points at . 827 as well as her on-base percentage of . 530.
But, if she's on base more and driving in fewer runs, that just means the Lions need other players in the lineup to pick up those RBI opportunities. And they have, as the team has posted a successful 45-7 overall record heading into the postseason. The MIAA Tournament begins at 11 a.
m. Thursday for the Lions. They will face the winner of No.