Jan. 31, 2002

Thursday evening's practice at the Devine Pavilion featured another couple of examples of the Tigers' offensive abilities. The catching crew of Ryan Rothford (So., Fresno, Calif./Fresno City), Brian Desch (So., Lenexa, Kan.) and Brent Lacy (Fr., Ellisville, Mo.) reached base 11 times in the two six-inning intrasquad games. Infielder Jody Roughton (Jr., Carthage, Mo./Maple Woods CC) also showed his power at the plate, hitting what might have been a home run into the pavilion's roof.

Missouri had Matt Hobbs (Sr. Alta Loma, Calif.), Travis Wendte (Fr., Moore, Okla.) and Derek Roper (So., Elk City, Okla./Hutchinson CC) appear in starting roles while Mark Alexander (So., Independence, Mo.), Aaron Paterson (Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Iowa State), Cody Ehlers (So., Stillwater, Okla.) and Chris Julo (Jr., Grandview, Mo./Maple Woods CC) made relief appearances.

"Jody Roughton and Ryan Rothford are really starting to come around offensively," said MU head coach Tim Jamieson. "Ryan's doing a good job behind the plate and is showing how badly he wants to be the starting catcher."

The Tigers will practice Friday at 2 p.m. The weather will determine how much or how little, if any, practice will be outside at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field.