University of Missouri
Texas Tech
Tigers Open Big 12 With Dramatic Win At Texas Tech
2/25/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 25, 2000
LUBBOCK, TX -- Nick Wilfong powered a 19-hit Missouri Tigers attack Friday afternoon with two home runs, pacing the Tigers to a 16-14 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Big 12 Conference opener for both teams.
Wilfong's second home run, a two-run shot to right field in the 10th inning provided the winning runs after Missouri had nearly blown the game in the bottom of the ninth.
The Red Raiders scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth off of Mizzou closer Ryan Stegall, who had never allowed a run in six previous career relief appearances. Stegall gave up a leadoff single to Marco Cunningham in the 10th inning, but set down the next three batters in order to earn his first victory (1-0).
Missouri jumped out to an early lead by scoring 10 runs in the first three innings. Texas Tech starter Kevin Tracey lasted just one inning, allowing five runs on five hits and a walk. All five runs came after there were two outs and included a two-run home run by Landon Brandes.
Wilfong hit his first home run in the third inning. Tigers starter Jon Harris protected a 10-6 lead through 6-and-a-third innings, before giving way to lefty Mitch Kiler in the seventh. Kiler allowed two runs in the eighth inning, but MU's J.R. Warner seemingly iced the game in the top of the ninth inning with a three-run homer - his first of the year.
The Red Raiders had plenty of chances to score as they left a season-high 14 men on base. Down 14-8 going into the bottom of the ninth, Tech scored six runs on six hits, but left the bases loaded. Mark Austry lead off the inning with his first home run of the season as the first seven Red Raider batters reached base against Stegall. Chaz Eiguren highlighted the inning with a three-run blast off the scoreboard in right-center field to tie the game at 14-14.
In the top of the 10th, Tech pitcher Clancy Fossum allowed a leadoff single to Brandes. Steve Rowe came in to relieve Fossum and Wilfong wasted no time in giving Missouri the lead with a two-run shot to right field.
Missouri improved its record to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12. Texas Tech is now 7-7 on the season and 0-1 in the conference. Game two of the three-game series will be Saturday at 1 p.m. Sunday's finale is also scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch. Tigers ace Logan Dale (1-1) will pitch for Missouri. The Red Raiders are expected to counter with Cory Metzler (0-1).
