About a foot was the difference.

On the day Alabama softball honored its All-American Haylie McCleney, the senior centerfielder had one of those prime opportunities. Down three runs in the fourth, bases loaded, a slicing line drive to left landed a few inches on the foul side of the line. Instead of clearing the bases and tying the game, a walk ended the at bat - scoring a run but not changing momentum.

No. 16 Missouri added two more a half inning later, cruising to a 7-3 win in Game 1 of a Saturday doubleheader.

No. 6 Alabama (27-6) stranded eight runners on a perfect spring afternoon in a packed Rhoads Stadium. The guests outhit the Tide 10-4.

Starting pitcher Alexis Osorio left after 4 2/3 innings and allowing nine hits. Four of the seven runs allowed were earned.

Missouri hit .364 with runners in scoring position and had four two-out RBIs.

Alabama's best shot was in the fourth. After falling behind 5-0, a Chandler Dare RBI single cut the deficit to four. McCleney, after the near bases-clearing shot to left, walked to bring in the second run before the rally ended.