Missouri went 2-1 at the Andre Dawson Classic with victories over Southern and Florida A&M after scoring 23 runs
Missouri baseball scored 23 runs in Vero Beach, Florida at the Andre Dawson Classic Feb.21-23, picking up key wins against Florida A&M and Southern. They dropped one against Alabama State, going 2-1 over the weekend.
Bats Stay Hot
The Tigers opened up the weekend playing against Florida A&M. Missouri finished with 11 hits, winning 6-5 thanks to a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning from sophomore Kaden Peer.
The bats slowed against Alabama State, with five hits in a 10-2 loss. The Tigers bounced back against Southern 15-3, with a 10-run inning in the eighth. This marked the most runs the Tigers have scored since April 3, 2024, against UT-Martin. Missouri totaled 30 hits and 23 runs over the weekend. The Tigers managed runs through consistent base hits, with only one home run in the three games.
Tiger Standout Performances
Freshman shortstop Trey Lawrence batted .364 with an RBI and junior designated hitter Gehrig Goldbeck batted .333 with two RBIs including a 3-of-4 game in night one. In the win against Southern, freshman Brady Picarelli stood out with a 2-of-2 plate appearance with four RBIs. Picarelli whacked a two-run home run and a two-run double.
A pitching bright spot Kadden Drew, the junior left-handed starter who pitched six scoreless innings while allowing only five hits. He was credited for the win against the Jaguars.
Things to Improve
Coming off a victorious weekend, Missouri still has things to improve. The Tigers struck out 27 times over the weekend. The Tigers can look to put the ball in play more consistently. The Tigers saw strong starting pitcher performances in the games against Florida A&M and Southern. But after Alabama State’s performance, Missouri will need to be consistent all season. They only walked eight but can work to cut down the 34 opposing hits.
What to Look For
Look for Missouri to keep the bats hot and find more consistent pitching as they take on Evansville four times at home in Taylor Stadium from Feb. 28 to March 2.
Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Claire Bauer and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com
Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com