For the first time this season, the Murray State baseball team was held scoreless as the Racers dropped a non-conference contest Tuesday evening in Columbia, Mo., falling to Missouri 11-0.
The Tigers (28-18) jumped out to an early lead with three unearned runs in the bottom of the second inning. Mizzou had a total of four unearned runs in the contest thanks to MSU miscues. The Tigers would go on to lengthen their lead with two runs in the fifth, a four-run seventh and another two runs in the eighth.
MSU’s (22-23) best shot for runs came in the top of the third when it had the bases loaded with two outs in the inning. The Racers were unable to capitalize in that frame and the Missouri pitchers held the Racers’ bats in check for much of the contest.
Reed Thompson got a pinch-hit double in the top of the ninth for MSU’s lone extra-base hit in the game. Adam Bauer, Aaron Bence, Kipp Moore and Ryan Perkins all went 1-of-3 at the plate in the loss while Davis Sims was 1-for-4.
Jack Hranec took the loss to drop his record to 3-3 on the season. Hranec went five innings in his start on the mound and allowed five runs, two of which were earned, on eight hits while striking out three Tigers. MSU used a total of six relievers on the night.
The Racers return to OVC action this weekend as they host Eastern Kentucky in a three-game series beginning at 6 p.m., Friday at Reagan Field.
Kevin DeVries