In its first non-conference game in over two weeks, the Mizzou Tigers (9-14, 0-6) were able to turn things around and secure a win, defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini 11-9 on Tuesday at Grizzlies Ballpark in Sauget, Illinois.
The Tigers came out hot from the start. A leadoff single set up Jackson Lovich for his third homer in four games, giving Mizzou the lead in the first. The advantage was extended when an RBI single from Mateo Serna scored Cayden Nicoletto from second, after Nicoletto doubled, putting the Tigers up 3-0 early.
The Tigers continued to add on, starting with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Gehrig Goldbeck, which scored another run. After an Illinois pitching change, two singles from Lovich and Serna brought in three more runs. The scoring ended when Keegan Knutson’s RBI groundout put the Tigers up 8-0 in the second inning.
Backing them up was starter Wil Libbert, who was pitching a great game until the sixth inning. With the Tigers up by nine, Libbert loaded the bases with no outs and allowed a grand slam, bringing the Illini within five. He was then pulled for reliever Ben Smith, who allowed two more runs before getting out of the inning.
Despite a six-run sixth inning by Illinois, the Tigers held on to their lead for the rest of the game, with the teams trading runs inning by inning. Mizzou was able to secure the 11-9 win, thanks in part to reliever Xavier Lovett, who threw the final two innings and allowed just one run.
Once again, Lovich led the way for the offense, tying for the team lead in hits with three and leading in RBIs with four.
Libbert (2-2) earned the win, with Illinois’ Ryan Daly (1-2) taking the loss. Lovett (2) also recorded his second save of the year.
Mizzou returns to SEC play this weekend when they welcome newcomer Texas to Columbia. The first game is Friday, starting at 6 p.m.