But facing Missouri-Kansas City yesterday, Werner was able to gain confidence in herself, pitching her second consecutive complete game and winning game two 6-0. The Tigers also shut out the Kangaroos 4-0 behind Stephanie Falk in the first game of yesterday’s doubleheader at University Field.

Werner’s strong performance could not have come at a better time as Missouri (29-26) is preparing to enter the Big 12 Tournament. Having a two-pitcher rotation will take some of the pressure off Falk when the Tigers try to win next week’s tournament championship - the only way they can advance to the NCAA Regionals.

"Ingrid pitched a wonderful ballgame," Missouri coach Jay Miller said. "She faced the minimum and was in command the whole day, which is good because we’re going to need her come Big 12 Tournament time. Hopefully, she’s on track and will continue throwing like that."

UMKC (18-33) struggled to put runners on base and only had three hits off Werner, who finished with five strikeouts, no walks and faced only 21 batters in seven innings.

Missouri hit early and often in game two, with Rachel McGinnis starting the charge in the first inning with a two-RBI triple.

Karen Williams scored on an RBI single from Lindsey Jacoby in the second, and Erin Erickson scored on an RBI single from seldom-used Ricki Walker in the fifth.

"Two shutouts and defensively no errors. I think that’s a good sign for us," said Miller, whose team will take on Kansas Sunday in the regular season closer. "We got some production from the bottom part of our order, which we haven’t done in the past few games. Kristin Burke, Walker and Daisy Mettlach gave us some spark."

Entering the doubleheader Burke, Walker and Mettlach were all batting below .145. But they were a combined 2 for 4 in game two.

Game one featured another dominating performance by senior Falk, who went seven shutout innings, allowed eight hits and one walk and struck out seven. The Tigers blew the game open in the second inning with four runs, which included RBI singles from Erickson and Falk.

"I think when we get our leadoffs on, that really boosts our hitting," said Williams, who along with Falk will be honored at Senior Day Sunday. "Hitting is contagious. Once one person hits then everybody else hits. I think that’s what did it for us, hit after hit after hit."

The Tigers will be in a play-in game to determine who will move on to the double elimination round in the Big 12 Tournament next week in Oklahoma City.

"We’re all trying to get together and we realize that it’s the end of the season," said leftfielder Sara Vassmer. "We’re looking to make something happen in Oklahoma City. We have some confidence in our hitting and a comfort level when we go against KU."