The Missouri Tigers hit another low point in a season marred by many, dropping all three games against the No. 7 Texas Longhorns by a combined score of 29-9 on Friday and Saturday at Taylor Stadium.
The Tigers started the series with a 15-4, 7-inning loss on Friday as the Longhorns paraded around the bases with five home runs, one each in innings 1-through-5.
“Obviously, (Ian) Lohse, one of his worst starts of the year,” Missouri coach Kerrick Jackson said. “And then it gets even worse, because then he leaves the game with an injury.”
The Tigers did not get their first hit until the fourth inning, then broke through to end Jared Spencer’s bid for a shutout with four runs in the sixth.
Isaiah Frost pinch hit and slapped a double to left center, then moved to third on a flyout before scoring on a Mateo Serna groundout. Keegan Knutson walked, as did Tyler Macon before Brady Picarelli pinch hit and singled on a low line drive to left, scoring Knutson and finally ending Spencer’s night.
Kaden Peer then sent a double to right center to score Picarelli and Macon.
Peer was the lone Tiger to collect two hits.
Will Gasparino led the Longhorns with three hits, two home runs and eight RBI.
Lohse started on the mound for the Tigers and went 2+ innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits and four walks, while striking out three. Lohse left the game with an injury as the already-hampered Tiger pitching staff was hit with another key blow.
“We’re not in a position where we can afford to be down any more pitchers that we’re already down,” Jackson said.
Seth McCartney pitched the next frame, allowing six runs on six hits, two walks and two hit batters, then Ben Smith pitched the fourth, striking out one in a clean frame.
Josh Kirchhoff pitched the fifth, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk, while striking out one, then usual first baseman Cayden Nicoletto pitched a perfect sixth and struck out one. Jayeln Merchant finished the game, throwing the seventh and allowing a walk while striking out one.
The Tigers and Longhorns then matched up for a doubleheader Saturday because of expected rain in the forecast.
The Longhorns took the first game 7-4.
Texas jumped ahead with two runs in the top of the second, but the Tigers responded with a four-run bottom half of the frame to take the lead.
Knuston sent a double down the right-field line, then Pierre Seals reached on an error, allowing Knutson to score. Peer was hit by a pitch and freshman Chris Patterson - making his first career start after starting the season 0-for-7 - sent his first career hit over the right-center field wall for a three-run home run.
“The opportunity presented itself to give him a pinch hit at-bat last night and he made ...
