When you’re hot, you’re hot … but which softball team is hotter — Kansas University or Missouri?

The Jayhawks have won eight games in a row while the Tigers have won four in a row, but the last two were over Big 12 Conference leader Texas A&M. The only certainty is that one of the two border rivals will cool off today.

Game time will be 4 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark with a live broadcast on KLWN-AM (1320).

Perhaps the strongest likelihood is that one or more softballs will go flying over the Arrocha fences. Kansas has slugged 50 home runs — 14 more than any KU team ever has posted in one season — while Missouri leads the Big 12 with 68 round-trippers.

Mizzou (36-10 overall, 8-7 Big 12) plays smash ball. The Tigers rank last in the league in stolen bases and sacrifices, but lead the league in slugging percentage as well as home runs. Kansas (28-19, 7-7) features a more balanced attack, but the Jayhawks can play bash ball, too.

A three-run home run by Kansas third baseman Nettie Fierros was the big blow in the first meeting between the two teams April 13 in Columbia, Mo. Fierros’ second-inning blast boosted KU to a 5-3 triumph.

Fierros, a junior from Avondale, Ariz., and Serena Settlemier rank third on the club in home runs with seven apiece. Shortstop Destiny Frankenstein leads the Jayhawks with 13 homers, a school single-season record, and second baseman Jessica Moppin has nine round-trippers.

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In the first KU-MU game last month, Mizzou managed only four hits off KU pitchers Settlemier and Christina Ross, but two were home runs. However, Settlemier and Ross held MU standout Micaela Minner hitless.

Today’s game is the home finale and reserve pitcher Kathy McVey, the lone senior on the squad, will be honored. The Jayhawks will close the regular season this weekend at Iowa State. The Big 12 Tournament is scheduled next week in Oklahoma City.