COLUMBIA, Mo. – Junior LHP Michael Plassmeyer threw a complete game in game two of a three-game set against Tennessee, but the Vols hit a pair of solo home runs to earn a 2-1 Friday night win at Taylor Stadium. The loss for Mizzou evens the series at 1-1, resting the postseason fate of both teams on the finale tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.

Plassmeyer’s complete game was just the second of his career, and his first since April 7, 2018, when he fired a complete game shutout vs. Alabama. Plassmeyer recorded 11 strikeouts, his most since February 24 against Northeastern when he had 13. He allowed just five hits and one walk with the two solo homers.

TURNING POINT

Mizzou took the lead early, with a fourth-inning triple by senior RF Trey Harris. Harris’ triple was just the third of his career, and his first since his sophomore year in 2016. Harris was later driven in by senior 3B Alex Samples for the team’s first and only run.

Tennessee got on the board in the next half inning with a solo homer by DH Nico Mascia. It was then Tennessee’s Brandon Chinea who played the role of hero, hitting the go ahead solo home run in the eighth inning on the first pitch of his at-bat. The Tigers threatened in the bottom of the frame, but could not get the run across the plate.

TOP TIGERS

• Junior LHP Michael Plassmeyer was sensational in a tough-luck loss, surrendering just two runs on five hits, both via solo homers. He pitched into the eighth inning for the fifth time this season and tossed a complete game, walking just one and striking out 11. It was Mizzou’s first 10+ strikeout performance since T.J. Sikkema had 10 against Vanderbilt on April 19, 2018 and Mizzou’s first complete game since he did so on April 7, 2018, vs. Alabama.
• Senior RF Trey Harris tallied his third career triple and first since hit sophomore season in 2016. He scored Mizzou’s only run Friday. He added a ninth-inning single, giving him his team-leading 18^th multi-hit game of the season.

QUOTING MIZZOU

Head Coach Steve Bieser

“I don’t think we really attacked it worrying about striking out tonight like we did last night. It was more of just we needed to get control of the strike zone and swing at good pitches. Just a poor offensive performance tonight, that’s about all I can say about it.”

NOTES

• Despite the loss, Mizzou still leads the all-time series with Tennessee, 11-6.
• Mizzou falls to 25-9 in night games this season.
• Mizzou falls to 7-7 on Fridays this season.
• Mizzou will now need to win tomorrow to secure a spot in next week’s SEC Tournament.

UP NEXT

Mizzou and Tennessee will play Saturday at 2 p.m. in the regular season finale at Taylor Stadium. The winner will advance to next week’s SEC Tournament while the loser will miss the postseason. It is also senior day as Mizzou will pay tribute to its six seniors.

— Mizzou Athletics —