Missouri baseball started off its weekend homestand against Appalachian State with a victory as Tanner Houck picked up another win on Friday.

Houck allowed four hits and two walks in 8 2/3 innings while striking out seven.

The Tigers got off to a fast start against Appalachian State’s right hander Travis Holden. The scoring began in the first inning with junior Robbie Glendinning scoring on an RBI single by freshman Kameron Misner. A throwing error in the second inning by Conner Leonard of Appalachian State allowed junior Nelson Mompierre to score as sophomore Connor Brumfield reached on a fielder’s choice.

The offense cooled down after that, but the Tigers were determined to make Holden earn every out. Each at bat was a battle, and that tenacious mindset led to a high pitch count for Holden. He was pulled after only five innings with a pitch count of 113. Forcing Appalachian State to dig into its bullpen at such an early juncture will likely benefit the Tigers later on in the series as fatigue and rest begin to be major factors.

The Tigers got back on the board in the bottom of the seventh inning when Brumfield scored on a single from Misner that snuck between the first and second basemen. Junior Trey Harris then lined a ball to center field, allowing Misner to slide into home plate safely. With the lead at four runs, the Tigers closed up shop and safely saw the game out to earn the victory.

Houck pounded the strike zone, throwing 82 of his 124 pitches for strikes. He showed strong control, and the chemistry between Houck and catcher Mompierre paid dividends for the Tigers as they shut out Appalachian State. Junior Nolan Gromacki came in to record the final out after sophomore Ty Shoaff walked a batter in relief of Houck.

Errors continued to plague the Tigers’ defense as the team committed three on the night. Glendinning was responsible for two himself. Chris Cornelius was guilty of the third as he tried completing a double play but rushed his throw and missed first base.

Mizzou has been able to cope with sloppy defensive play thus far because of its powerful offense. But with Southeastern Conference play beginning next weekend, it is important the Tigers minimize errors against elite competition.

Missouri continues its series against Appalachian State on Saturday, with the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.

_Edited by Eli Lederman | elederman@themaneater.com_