COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri used a two-out, two-run single with the bases loaded in the eighth to catapult the Tigers to a series-clinching 3-1 victory against No. 10 Vanderbilt on Friday night at Taylor Stadium.
Missouri (27-12, 8-9 SEC) loaded the bases on three walks – including an intentional pass – with one out off Vandy reliever Zach King. Tyler Brown entered, punching out one before pinch-hitter Mark Vierling sent a two-run single into left off new reliever Jackson Gillis.
For a second-straight night, Vanderbilt (23-16, 9-8 SEC) was limited to just one run, once again coming off the bat of Austin Martin. The freshman extended his hit streak to 12 games and evened the game with an RBI-single to left in the third.
Commodore starter Patrick Raby drew the hard-luck no decision, allowing just three hits across seven innings. The right-hander permitted one run (none earned) while striking out six and walking a pair.
The junior, who retired 11-straight at one point, was equally matched on the other side. Mizzou starter Tyler LaPlante went six innings, permitting three hits and one run while fanning five and walking two.
Vandy was held to 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left a man at third in each of the final two innings. In the eighth, the Dores put runners on the corners with one down thanks to a hit-and-run single from Connor Kaiser only to see consecutive strikeouts halt the threat.
Vanderbilt threatened with two down in the ninth as Ty Duvall worked a walk. Then, Martin lifted a ball down the right field line. Right fielder Trey Harris slid but could not make the grab on a play that was ruled foul. After review, Martin was awarded the single with pinch runner Harrison Ray being placed at third base.
A groundout would strand the pair there, however, as the Dores suffered their first series loss to Mizzou since the two began playing in 2013. King (0-3) was saddled with the loss, permitting two runs and three walks without a hit.
Martin finished 3-for-5 while Philip Clarke plated the Dores’ lone run after leading off the third with a single. Mizzou was held to four hits and was led by Vierling who drove in two and went 1-for-1.
Bryce Montes De Oca (5-2) picked up the win for Mizzou, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out four and walking another in two innings. Nile Ball secured his fifth save while allowing a hit and walk in one inning.
The Commodores look to salvage the series finale on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus.
