Tigers Stun No. 24 Kentucky in Series Win

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Missouri baseball turned heads taking two of three from No. 24 Kentucky in Lexington, KY, from Friday, April 3, to Sunday, April 5. The series win boosted the Tigers' record to 19-14 on the season.

Why it matters

This series win over a ranked opponent is a significant accomplishment for the Missouri baseball team, as they have struggled to find success in Lexington in recent years. The victory showcases the Tigers' ability to compete with top programs in the SEC and could provide momentum as they return home for a midweek matchup against Missouri State.

The details

Missouri started quietly in the first, with Sam Rosand doing his work on the mound before Pierr Seals ignited the offense with a double to left field. Blaize Ward, who went 3-3 with two hits by pitches, singled to left center which brought in Seals for an RBI and a 1-0 lead for the Tigers. Rosand lasted four strong innings, allowing just two runs from an error, a homer in the third and five hits in total for the Wildcats. In the top of the fourth, Ward took command, with another single out to left, but runners were left on base after Campos struck out ending the half inning. Rosand did his job here, allowing one hit by pitch and the rest simple outs. More action was brought to the Tigers in the fifth, as Kee Knutson reached on a sacrifice bunt error which brought in Eric Maisonet who walked earlier on. Kam Durnin hit a sacrifice fly which brought in Maisonet, tying the game 2-2. Kaden Peer hit a single to third and got caught stealing, but Knutson was able to score and bring the Tigers to a 3-2 lead. Soon after, Woita was hit-by-pitch, Seals walked and Blaize came out swinging for the third time this game, with a single to the eight side this time that brought in Woita extending their lead to 4-2. Cameron Benson walked which moved Blaize over, Campos walked, which caused bases to be loaded and brought Seals in to further their score 5-2 and the inning ended with a flyout. Juan Villareal came in to pitch during the fifth and lasted till the seventh, allowing no hits and one strikeout, keeping the score 5-2. Bases were loaded for the Tigers once again in the seventh due to walks and a hit-by-pitch, but the inning ended when Campos was out at third. The eighth inning was a success, as Durnin added a single to right field. Eli Skidmore came in to pitch for the Tigers with a quick inning ended by a walk, strikeout and double-play. Skidmore came out again in the ninth, ending his day with his first collegiate save, allowing just one double and no runs for Kentucky, finishing the series off 2-1 Mizzou.

• On Friday, April 3, Missouri started the series against No. 24 Kentucky.
• The series continued on Saturday, April 4, and concluded on Sunday, April 5.
• The Tigers' victory boosted their record to 19-14 on the season.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Missouri leaves Lexington with a statement series win over a top-25 opponent and now returns home for a midweek matchup against Missouri State. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday at Taylor Stadium.