Despite a solid performance from the Missouri Tigers, they were unable to secure a victory, falling 7-6 to No. 2 LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mizzou outhit LSU 10-8 but left 10 runners on base in the loss.
Mizzou (8-10, 0-2) fell behind early, with LSU tagging Tigers starter Wil Libbert for three runs in the first two innings. However, that was just the beginning of what turned into an offensive battle for both teams. Mizzou got their first run on the board in the next inning with an RBI sac fly from transfer Cayden Nicoletto, pulling Mizzou within one.
Mizzou took their only lead of the game in the fourth inning when transfer Keegan Knutson stepped up with two outs and runners on second and third. Knutson launched his first home run of the season—and of the game—over the left-center field wall, giving Mizzou a 4-3 lead.
However, the lead didn’t last long as LSU matched Mizzou’s three runs in the bottom of the fourth and added another in the next inning, taking a 7-4 lead. This is when the game took a turn.
Mizzou turned to reliever Kaden Jacobi to start the bottom of the sixth, and he shut down the LSU offense. Jacobi pitched three innings, allowing just one hit with no walks and two strikeouts.
The Mizzou offense did everything they could to crawl out of the hole they were in against the No. 2 team in the country, starting with Knutson’s second homer of the day to lead off the seventh. One more run later in the inning brought Mizzou within one, trailing 7-6.
That was all Mizzou could muster, as they were unable to produce anything after the seventh, ultimately dropping the second game of the series 7-6. However, this game showed significant improvement from their performance on Friday, as they kept the contest competitive throughout.
The bullpen continued to shine, especially Jacobi, who, along with Lucas, combined for 4.1 innings of one-run ball (none earned) while allowing just four hits. On the other side, LSU's pitchers dominated the Mizzou hitters, striking out 12 batters across five pitchers. However, they also issued seven walks and hit two batters, giving Mizzou free passes that they couldn't capitalize on.
Knutson shined for the Tigers despite the loss, hitting his first two home runs of the season—and of his career—while leading the team with four RBIs. Pierre Seals and Jackson Lovich also recorded two hits in the game, with Lovich’s first hit extending his hit streak into double digits.
Libbert (1-2) took the loss for Mizzou, while LSU’s Conner Ware (2-0) earned the win and Casan Evans (4) recorded the save.
Mizzou has one more chance to steal a game from LSU on Sunday, with first pitch set for 1 p.m. in Baton Rouge.