Sports – Page 465 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Missouri men’s basketball signs junior college All-American guard Jordan Geist

Posted on April 18, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball has signed future student-athlete Jordan Geist (Fort Wayne, Ind.) to the program’s 2016 recruiting class, head coach Kim Anderson announced. A 6-3, 180-pound guard, Geist earned Second Team NJCAA All-America recognition last season at Ranger College (Ranger, Texas), leading the Rangers to a fourth-place finish at the 2016 NJCAA Division I National Championship.

Geist averaged 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game as a freshman during the 2015-16 season, helping head coach Billy Gillispie’s squad to a stout 35-3 record. The newly-signed Tiger showed impressive marksmanship throughout the campaign, shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three-point territory.

“Jordan Geist has a winner’s mentality on and off the court,” Anderson said. “His ability to be another trustworthy ball handler and relentless defender for Mizzou Basketball was important to us. Jordan is a savvy player who immediately brings solid experience and leadership to our squad. We’re excited to have Jordan and his family become a part of our program, and we cannot wait to have him in Columbia this summer.”

The Rangers were assisted by Geist’s solid play during its postseason run at the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., with the guard averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals during Ranger College’s five-game stretch. Geist’s stellar postseason was boosted by a 29-point performance (9-of-15 FG, 10-of-15 FT) in his squad’s 87-74 victory over sixth-seeded Eastern Florida State College in the tournament’s second round.

“The atmosphere and culture surrounding Mizzou’s program is very exciting to me,” Geist said. “The campus is beautiful and the basketball arena is second-to-none. Coach Anderson and his staff treated me so well on my visit. That made me excited to be a part of the program. Playing in a great conference was also important to me. The SEC has great competition and has tough programs to play against. And I’ll be getting great coaching from the Mizzou coaches. I know they’ll prepare us the right way.”

Before his highly successful stop in the junior college ranks, Geist was a standout player in the competitive Indiana high school basketball scene. He helped Homestead High School to an Indiana Class 4A State Championship as a senior in 2014-15. With Geist at the point for head coach Chris Johnson, the Spartans posted an impressive 30-2 season record. Geist compiled averages of 16.8 points and 3.6 assists per game in his final high school season.

Geist earned Indiana Junior All-Star honors following his junior season at Penn High School (Mishawaka, Ind.), in which he averaged 17.7 points and 3.3 assists per game. He led the Kingsmen to a school record 23-2 mark.

Geist has proven to be a winner, with the last three teams he has played for (Penn HS, Homestead HS, Ranger College) combining for an 88-7 record (92.6 winning percentage) over the last three seasons.

“Mizzou fans will see toughness from me,” Geist said. “I’m out there to win and give everything I have for Mizzou Basketball. I think the little things are the most important parts of basketball. On defense, you have to bother people. I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”

Geist’s signing joins him with the current 2016 recruiting class of Frankie Hughes (Cleveland, Ohio), Willie Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio), Reed Nikko (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Mitchell Smith (Van Buren, Ark.).

— Mizzou Athletics —

George Brett named Grand Marshall for Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway

Posted on April 18, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 18, 2016) – Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former Kansas City Royal George Brett has been named Grand Marshall for the May 7 Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway. Brett was also one of the first people in line to purchase Kansas Speedway season tickets when tickets went on sale before the facility opened.

“George Brett is an iconic figure not just in Kansas City but to sports fans across the country and I’m excited to have him take part in the Go Bowling 400,” said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “George has an impressive resume, winning a World Series title with the Royals, a Gold Glove, an MVP award, and I’m thrilled that Kansas Speedway was able to add another accomplishment to this already extraordinary list – Grand Marshal.”

Brett, who played his entire career with the Royals organization, is considered one of baseball’s greatest clutch hitters and was chosen Royals Player of the Year eight times. The 13-time All-Star was named the 1980 American League MVP and won a Gold Glove in 1985. He was the first player in Major League history to win batting titles in three decades (1976, 1980 and 1990) and the first with career totals of more than 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, 600 doubles, 100 triples and 200 stolen bases.

In 1999, Brett was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with the fourth-highest vote percentage ever recorded (98%).

Tickets are currently on sale for the Go Bowling 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on May 7, and the Toyota Tundra 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on May 6. In October, the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns with the Hollywood Casino 400 on Oct. 16. The Kansas Lottery 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race will take center stage on Oct. 15, while the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards championship race will run on Oct. 14. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kansasspeedway.com or by calling 866.460.7223.

— Kansas Speedway Press Release —

A’s rally to beat Kansas City 3-2, win three-game series

Posted on April 17, 2016

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Billy Burns’ speed, along with a little luck, helped Oakland win its first home series.

Josh Reddick’s sacrifice fly off Joakim Soria broke an eighth-inning tie and lifted the Oakland Athletics over the Kansas City Royals 3-2 Sunday.

Soria (1-1) relieved to start the eighth, Burns tripled into the right-field corner and Reddick flied to center with one out. Burns came across the plate standing up, easily beating Lorenzo Cain’s throw.

“He’s got some speed. That kid’s a nice player. He runs hard,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “We normally play him straight up. We were shading the line there because he very seldom hits balls down the line, but he just hit one perfectly right down the line for a triple.”

Burns said the ball was close to being caught by first baseman Eric Hosmer and was close to being foul.

“He was so close to snagging it,” Burns said. “I think it just skipped off the edge of his glove and skipped over the corner of the base.”

John Axford (2-0) induced three consecutive groundouts in the eighth, and Ryan Madson pitched a one-hit ninth for his fourth save in as many chances, retiring Raymond Fuentes on a game-ending lineout to first with a runner on second.

“I was working on keeping the ball down there but got it higher than I wanted,” Madson said. “Luckily the speed was different enough that he couldn’t get it to the outfield.”

Soria lost for the first time since July 11.

Royals starter Kris Medlen allowed two runs — one earned — two hits and four walks in 6 1/3 innings. He left after Chris Coughlan’s seventh-inning double, and pinch-hitter Jed Lowrie tied the score 2-2 with a single off Kelvin Herrera.

“Medlen pitched great,” Yost said. “He managed his pitch count really, really well. In the seventh inning, you got Kel down there, it’s hard not to bring him into the ballgame.

A’s starter Chris Bassitt gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings.

Kansas City built a 2-0 lead on Alex Gordon’s RBI single in the second and Mike Moustakas’ homer in the third.

Coco Crisp scored in the fourth on Salvador Perez’s passed ball as Coghlan struck out.

GOLFING AROUND

Several current and former Royals are taking part in the annual Royals Charities Golf Tournament, which benefits the Special Olympics of Kansas City, on Monday’s off day.

Scheduled to join Hall of Famer George Brett are Yost, Moustakas, Soria, Wade Davis and Edinson Volquez.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: Jarrod Dyson went 2 for 2 with a stolen base Sunday in his sixth rehab start for Triple-A Omaha. He is hitting .318 (7 for 22) and has been eligible to come off the disabled list but may remain with the Storm Chasers to get a few more at-bats. He strained his right oblique in his first at-bat of spring training.

Athletics: RHP Henderson Alvarez, recovering from right shoulder surgery, will go on a rehab assignment this week following a series of simulated games. “He’s a guy who has pitched at the top of the rotation,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “Bringing someone like him in is like signing a free agent, and we’re eagerly anticipating his arrival.”

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Yordano Ventura (0-0, 2.94) is to open a three-game set against Detroit on Tuesday night. He is 4-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 33 strikeouts in six starts against the Tigers.

Athletics: LHP Eric Surkamp (0-1, 4.00) is slated to start Tuesday night at the New York Yankees.

— Associated Press —

Bearcats complete three-game sweep of Southwest Baptist

Posted on April 17, 2016

The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team beat Southwest Baptist, 7-5, on Sunday at Bearcat Field in Maryville, Mo.

he win gives Northwest a three-game sweep over SBU after taking Friday’s and Saturday’s games. Northwest improves to 21-17 overall and 16-12 in conference action. SBU falls to 17-21 overall and 12-16 in MIAA play.

Jay Hrdlicka went 3-for-4 on the day with a pair of RBI.

Anthony Caenepeel went 8.0 innings for his fifth win, allowing five runs on seven hits. He recorded four strikeouts and walked just three batters.

Northwest scored seven runs on eight hits with no errors. Northwest got two runs in the first and five in the third.

Southwest Baptist scored one in the first and four in the fifth. SBU finished with five runs on seven hits with one error.

Kolby Greenslade went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also stole a base.

James Holler hit his sixth homerun of the year in the first, a two run shot. He finished the day with a pair of runs scored and was also hit by a pitch.

Kevin Handzlik was 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI and one run scored.

Aaron Barratt was 1-for-3 with a double and a sacrifice bunt.

Ozzie Adams drew a pair of walks and came around to score two runs on the afternoon.

Jake Lewis was hit by a pitch in the third and came around to score Northwest’s seventh run of the contest.

Carson Smith picked up his sixth save of the year, recording the final three outs of the contest.

With two outs in the first, Adams reached on an error on a ball hit to the second baseman. Holler took advantage of the mistake and crushed his sixth homerun of the year over the right field fence to make it 2-1 Northwest.

Greenslade led off the third with a single up the middle. After a pair of out, Adams walked and Holler was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two down. Handzlik came up with a two-RBI single to right to score Adams and Greenslade. Lewis was hit by a pitch to load the bases again and this time it was Hrdlicka who singled to right center to drive in Holler and Handzlik to make it 6-1 Northwest. After a pitching change, Lewis would score on a balk to push the lead to 7-1.

Northwest heads to Missouri Western on Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mo.

— Northwest Athletics —

Missouri drops series finale to No. 9 LSU

Posted on April 17, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball dropped the final game of a three game series against No. 9 LSU Sunday (April 17) at Taylor Stadium, 15-2. Freshman LHP Michael Plassmeyer (St. Louis, Mo.) took the loss, throwing 4.2 innings, allowing eight hits, five earned runs, one walk and two strikeouts while LSU’s John Valek III earned his sixth win of the season. Mizzou now sits at 20-18, and 4-11 in SEC play.

Sophomore C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) led Mizzou at the plate, tallying his first three-hit game of the season while tallying his team-leading sixth homer of the season. Senior 1B Zach Lavy (Auxvasse, Mo.) extended his hitting streak to a career-long 10 games, the longest such streak by a Mizzou player this season. He did so on an eighth-inning double, his 15th of the season. He now leads the SEC in extra-base hits at 25 and his 15 doubles match the most by a Mizzou player since 2011 (17 by Jonah Schmidt).

In the top of the first LSU’s bats started off hot, scoring five runs. The Tigers led with three straight base hits scoring one, and an error by freshman INF Brian Sharp (Liberty, Mo.) brought in another run, making it 2-0. After two runs scored, another base hit down the right field line brought in the third run, then a fielders choice followed by another base hit brought in the last two runs of the inning.

Mizzou struck back in the bottom of the second scoring one run with two singles by sophomore OF Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) and sophomore C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.), and a fielders choice by Sharp to bring in Harris.

R-Sophomore RHP Cole Bartlett (Williamsburg, Ind.) came in to relieve Plassmeyer in the top of the fifth with two runners left on. After a walk and a base hit, LSU plated two more runs to extend its lead 7-1.

Bond led off the bottom of the fifth with a solo homerun; his team-leading sixth of the season cutting LSU’s lead to 7-2. It was his second homer in as many days.

LSU rebutted in the top of the seventh with three solo homers and wound up putting up a five-spot in the inning to extend the lead to 12-2. That put the game out of reach for Mizzou and LSU added three more in the ninth.

Mizzou does not have a midweek game next week as it shifts its focus to a weekend series at South Carolina, beginning next Friday (April 22).

— Mizzou Athletics —

Eric Fryer’s three hits leads Cardinals over Reds 4-3

Posted on April 17, 2016

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Given a rare chance to start, Eric Fryer showed the St. Louis Cardinals what he is capable of.

Fryer had three hits, including a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning during Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds 4-3.

A backup to All-Star catcher Yadier Molina, Fryer got his first start this season and is 6 for 6 at the plate. Fryer also threw out Brandon Phillips attempting to steal in the sixth.

“It’s a combination of everything,” Fryer said. “As a catcher, you take more pride in defense.”

Cardinals starter Michael Wacha, who gave up one earned run and seven hits, felt Fryer’s greatest value was with his pitch-calling skills.

“He was the man today,” Wacha said. “We were on the same page right from the start. He did a great job mixing up the pitches.”

St. Louis manager Mike Matheny agreed.

“All the way across, he had a great day,” Matheny said. “It’s always good when you can get Yadi a day off and still get the job done.”

Matt Carpenter and Jedd Gyorko hit solo homers for St. Louis, which has won three of last four. Ten of the Cardinals’ 21 homers this season were hit in the three-game series against the Reds, who have lost five of six.

Kevin Siegrist (2-0) entered with a runner at second and two outs in the seventh, struck out Zack Cozart and pitched a 1-2-3 eighth, fanning two more. Trevor Rosenthal struck out his last two batters in a perfect ninth for his third save in as many chances.

Cincinnati’s Jon Moscot gave up three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings in his first start this season. He had been on the disabled list due to a strained left intercostal muscle.

“I wanted to get that quality start and go deep into the game,” Moscot said. “I made a couple of mistakes and they took advantage of it.”

With the score 3-all, Ross Ohlendorf (2-1) walked pinch-hitter Aledmys Diaz leading off, and Diaz scored on Fryer’s double.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Reds: LHP John Lamb gave up three runs and six hits over three innings of Triple-A Louisville’s 8-6 loss to Toledo on Saturday. Lamb underwent surgery on Dec. 7 to repair a herniated disk in his back.

Cardinals: Molina and OF Matt Holliday were rested and held out of the starting lineup on Sunday. Holliday pinch hit in the ninth, and Molina caught the final inning.

UP NEXT

Reds: RHP Alfredo Simon (0-1) is to open a a seven-game homestand and three-game series against Colorado on Monday.

Cardinals: RHP Mike Leake (0-1) is slated to start the open of a three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs.

— Associated Press —

Northwest men’s tennis team beats Washington 9-0

Posted on April 17, 2016

The Northwest Missouri State University men’s tennis team swept Washington University on Sunday afternoon at the Tao Tennis Center in St. Louis, Mo., 9-0.

Northwest improved to 16-3 overall while Washington University falls to 14-4.

Northwest entered the match ranked No. 16 in NCAA Division II while Washington University was ranked No. 7 in Division III.

The win snapped WashU’s 35-match home win streak.

Match Scores
1. #49 Boissinot,Romain (NW) def. John Carswell (WASHU) 6-1, 6-0
2. Fontcuberta,Sergi (NW) def. Johnny Wu (WASHU) 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 1-0 (10-5)
3. Riveros,Alvaro (NW) def. Tyler Kratky (WASHU) 1-6, 6-0, 6-1
4. Tete,Mauro (NW) def. Jeremy Bush (WASHU) 6-4, 6-2
5. Altmann,Josef (NW) def. Jason Haugen (WASHU) 7-5, 6-4
6. Glowick,Fin (NW) def. Jake Klein (WASHU) 6-3, 6-2

1. Fontcuberta,Sergi/Riveros,Alvaro (NW) def. Jason Haugen/Konrad Kozlowski (WASHU) 8-5
2. Boissinot,Romain/Autones,Aymeric (NW) def. Jeremy Bush/Tyler Kratky (WASHU) 8-6
3. Tete,Mauro/Altmann,Josef (NW) def. Shaun Berman/Radha Vishnubhotla (WASHU) 8-4

The men’s and women’s teams will host Lindenwood University on Saturday, April 23, at 1 p.m. for Senior Day. The Northwest women will play at Fort Hays State, the day before on Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m.

— Northwest Athletics —

Royals’ four-game win streak ends with loss at Oakland

Posted on April 16, 2016

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Sonny Gray was a little frustrated and Josh Reddick was feeling great. The combination helped turn things around.

Reddick and Stephen Vogt homered to back Gray’s solid effort, and the Oakland Athletics ended a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

“I’ve been feeling great ever since we left here the first time,” Reddick said. “When you can get the lead at any point, especially the way we’ve been playing, it’s a good thing.”

Gray (2-1) pitched through trouble, lasting six innings to earn his first victory against the Royals in four starts, leaving the Boston Red Sox as the only AL team he has not yet beaten.

“You look at the way the Royals and it’s hard to get deep into the game,” Gray said. “Every one of them make you work for everything. It was a frustrating game. I’d get two quick outs and then 15, 16 pitches later I’d finally get out of the inning.”

Gray, who needed 100 pitches to finish five, gave up two runs and seven hits, walking one and striking out six. He stranded six runners, four in scoring position.

Reddick, who hit the ball hard in every at bat, erased the Royals’ early lead with a three-run shot in the bottom of the first off Chris Young (0-3), who failed to get through five innings for the second straight start.

Young gave up four runs and eight hits in four-plus innings. He walked two and struck out two. The Royals had a four-game winning streak snapped.

“It’s not necessarily command,” Young said. “I think it’s more of the life. I felt like the last few times I my arm slot was a little bit high and I made the adjustment in the third inning and the results got better.”

Ryan Madson, who was part of Kansas City’s championship season last year, earned his third save in three chances.

Lorenzo Cain singled in a run in the first as the Royals scored in the opening inning for the fourth time in five games. Gray struck out Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales to end the inning.

Marcus Semien also drove in a run for the A’s, while Raymond Fuentes and Alcides Escobar drove runs for the Royals.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Royals: C Salvador Perez got a regular day off with a day game following a night game.

Athletics: INF Eric Sogard will have arthroscopic surgery performed on his left knee, an injury that has bothered him on and off for two years. “I’m going to have to get a bone spur removed out of my tendon,” Sogard said. “There’s loose bodies in there, so he’s going to go in and take care of that. My patella bone as well is a little pointed at the end, so he’s going to shave that down.” Sogard dealt with it through spring training and then came up with a sore neck that landed him on the DL to open the season. While he was resting the neck, the knee continued to hurt. “It’s unfortunate it’s during the season, but I have to go through that and be out. It’s something I’ve been dealing with for a few years now. It’s been affecting me out there a little bit, mainly at the plate, being my back knee.” … RHP Henderson Alvarez (right shoulder injury) will throw a bullpen Sunday and if he comes out of it OK, will go on a rehab assignment.

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Kris Medlen (1-0, 3.60) makes the start against Oakland on Sunday. He went 5-0 with a 1.20 ERA in nine road games last year.

Athletics: RHP Chris Bassitt (0-0, 2.92) gets the call in the series finale. He’s 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA in two starts against the Royals.

— Associated Press —

Bearcats win second straight against Southwest Baptist

Posted on April 16, 2016

The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team picked up a 7-4 win over Southwest Baptist on Saturday at Bearcat Field in Maryville, Mo.

Northwest improves to 20-17 overall and 15-12 in MIAA play. Southwest Baptist falls to 17-20 overall and 12-15 in conference action.

Brad Roberts got the start and went 7.0 innings. He did not allow an earned run on the day and struck out five batters while walking four.

Ozzie Adams went 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBI, a run scored and a double. He was also hit by a pitch in the fourth and came around to score the game’s first run.

Saturday was Military Appreciation Day. Thank you to the Missouri National Guard who provided free food and t-shirts to the spectators.

Key Northwest Statistics
– Northwest scored seven runs on 11 hits but committed three errors. Northwest got two in the fourth, three in the fifth and two in the seventh.
– All four of SBU’s runs came in the eighth. Southwest Baptist finished the day with four runs on seven hits with no errors.
– Nick Gotta scored two runs for Northwest, going 2-for-5 on the day with an RBI. He recorded a double, a triple and a stolen base.
– James Holler was 2-for-4 with an RBI. He also picked up a stolen base.
– Jay Hrdlicka went 1-for-3 with an RBI. He was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning.
– Kolby Greenslade went 1-for-4 with a run scored.
– Garrett Fort turned two walks in to two runs scored. He recorded his team-leading 14th stolen base in the fifth inning.
– Kevin Handzlik scored a run and drew a walk on the afternoon.
– Bryce Shea came on in relief in the eighth inning. He did not allow an earned run in the frame. He allowed one hit and recorded a strikeout without issuing a walk.
– Carson Smith got his fifth save of the year by working a perfect ninth. He struck out two batters while using just 11 pitches.

Key Northwest Innings
– Roberts worked perfect fifth and sixth innings for Northwest. He retired eight straight batters from the top of the third to the fifth.

– With two down and runners on first and second, Hrdlicka placed a well hit ball in the gap in left centerfield to drive in Adams, who started the inning by getting hit by a pitch. Handzlik, who drew a one-out walk, moved from first to third on the hit. In the next at bat, Northwest attempted a double steal. Hrdlicka was caught in a rundown but Handzlik was able to score from third before Hrdlicka was tagged out at first to make it 2-0 Northwest.

– With one out in the bottom of the fifth, Greenslade hit an infield single to first, beating the throw to the pitcher covering. Gotta came up next and pulled a ball down the right field line that got past the first baseman. Greenslade came around to score all the way from first and Gotta pulled into second with a stand up double. Fort drew a walk to bring up Adams. After Gotta and Fort each stole bases, Gotta hit a single to left to score Gotta and put runners on the corners. Holler hit an infield single to score Gotta to make it 5-0 Northwest.

– Gotta led off the bottom of the seventh with a triple that cleared the centerfielder’s glove and bounced to the wall. Fort followed it up by drawing a walk to put two on with no outs. Adams laced a ball to the right field fence for a double to drive in Gotta and Fort, but Adams was thrown out trying to take third on the play as Northwest took a 7-0 lead.

Up Next
– The series concludes at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 17.

— Northwest Athletics —

Houck, Tigers fall at home to No. 9 LSU

Posted on April 16, 2016

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball dropped game two of its series with No. 9 LSU, 9-5, on Saturday afternoon at Taylor Stadium. The game was tied 4-4 going into the seventh, but LSU scored five runs in the frame with four coming on a grand slam by Beau Jordan to take a 9-5 lead. LSU tagged Mizzou starter Tanner Houck (Collinsville, Ill.) for a career-high eight runs and five walks as he took the loss, his third of the season. Mizzou falls to 20-17 and 4-10 in SEC play this season.

LSU’s Alex Lange earned the win, his third of the season. LSU improves to 24-11 and 8-6 in SEC play. Senior 1B Zach Lavy (Auxvasse, Mo.) extended his hitting streak to a career-long nine games, the longest streak by a Tiger this season. C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) and OF Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) each homered in the loss. Harris drove in two of Mizzou’s four runs, his seventh game this season with multiple RBIs, second on the team.

Houck cruised through the first inning on 13 pitches, getting a pair of strikeouts looking and an easy 1-3 bounce out to retire the side. After Mizzou put two men aboard against Lange in the first, Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) struck out to strand a pair. LSU then tagged Houck for a two-out run in the second inning on an RBI single to RF by Beau Jordan.

Houck then escaped a runners-on-the-corners, no-out jam in the third with a pair of Ks and a flyout to center. Mizzou then took that momentum into the bottom of the third and plated a pair of runs, both with two outs. The first came on an RBI single by Harris and the next on a bases-loaded walk by Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas).

LSU then scored three in the fourth inning, all with two outs, to take a 4-2 lead. Mizzou then homered in back-to-back innings in the fourth and fifth with solo shots by Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) and Harris to tie the game at 4-4. Bond’s homer was his team-leading fifth while Harris’ was his first of 2016.

The game remained tied until the seventh inning as Houck struggled, loading the bases with two singles and a walk. He then walked in a run to give LSU a 5-4 lead while ending his day in favor of reliever Liam Carter (Highland Park, Ill.). Carter surrendered a grand slam to Beau Jordan and that gave LSU a 9-4 lead.

Mizzou then went quietly in the seventh and eighth despite reliever Austin Tribby (Springfield, Mo.) coming in and settling things down, pitching 2.1 shutout frames to close the game. Mizzou added a run in the ninth on Lavy’s team-leading 14th double of the season, cutting the lead to 9-5.

Mizzou and LSU will close the three-game series Sunday at 1 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —