Missouri baseball gets swept in three-game series by first-ranked LSU

Missouri baseball came into a three-game series against the No. 2 ranked LSU Tigers to kick off conference play. Missouri looked to get back on track after a slow start with non-conference matchups this season.

Game #1

Missouri was defeated by LSU 12-5 due to a mid-game collapse.
Missouri got off to a strong start via junior Jackson Lovich’s two-run shot in the top of the second before LSU matched in the bottom half of the inning. Starting pitcher and graduate student Ian Lohse began his stint efficiently, allowing just two hits through the first three innings.

Things got away from Missouri in the bottom of the fourth as LSU exploded for five runs. The floodgates were opened by a three-RBI triple from freshman Derek Curiel, along with a walk and two hit-by-pitches given up by Lohse before he was taken out.

After LSU added two more runs in the sixth, Missouri fought back with three combined runs in the seventh and eighth. Two of these runs came from back-to-back home runs delivered by sophomores Kaden Peer and Mateo Serna.

However, Missouri’s efforts wouldn’t be enough as LSU took a 12-5 victory.

Game #2

Missouri put up a great fight but fell short of pulling off the upset, losing 7-6.

Both teams opened the matchup with high-powered offenses, scoring ten runs in the first four innings. Missouri came out of this fast start on the wrong side, resulting in a 6-4 deficit to LSU. The bats cooled off significantly after this with just three total runs scored through the last four and a half innings.

Missouri was spearheaded at the plate by junior Keegan Knutson, who ended the night 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs. This high production was mainly due to a three-run shot in the fourth inning. Knutson was one of three Missouri Tigers to end the night with multiple hits.

The relievers did their best to keep Missouri in the game, as junior Brock Lucas and senior Kaden Jacobi combined to allow no earned runs and four hits in just over four innings. Missouri made a good attempt at the plate with two more runs in the seventh thanks to Knutson’s second home run and a sacrifice groundout from Brock Daniels, but it wasn’t quite enough. Missouri lost 7-6.

Game #3

Missouri tried to salvage the series with a victory the following day but fell short, losing 10-5 after getting down to an early 4-0 deficit.

LSU buried Missouri early with four runs in the first inning. Missouri tried to recover, earning one run in three consecutive innings in response. However, the LSU bats were on fire, scoring four more runs during the third through fourth innings.

The two teams would stalemate at two runs apiece throughout the rest of the game, as the multitude of relievers had strong outings. Missouri’s four final pitchers allowed five hits and two runs through the final four and a half innings.

At the plate, only one batter had multiple hits for Missouri. Daniels went 2-for-3 at the plate, earning one run and one RBI. However, the Tigers’ seven total hits were ultimately not enough, as they lost 10-5.

Edited by Killian Wright | kwright@themaneater.com
Edited by Natalie Kienzty | nkientzy@themaneater.com
Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com