University of Missouri
Western Illinois
Big Innings Power Missouri Past Western Illinois
5/1/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 1, 2002
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Two-out rallies got Missouri started on Wednesday as the Tigers faced Western Illinois in non-conference action at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field. After two outs had already been recorded in the inning, Missouri scored two runs in the third, three runs in the fourth and one in the sixth to take a 6-2 lead on its way to recording a 12-4 victory. Missouri improves to 23-21 overall while Western Illinois is 6-33.
After Western Illinois scored a run in its half of the first inning, it took some time for Missouri to answer. In the third inning, the Tigers rallied with two outs. W.T. Hoover doubled to right field before walks to Cody Ehlers and Lee Laskowski walked to load the bases. Mick Weiss walked to force in one run before Jody Roughton walked to plate another run and give MU a 2-1 lead.
Missouri scored three runs in the fourth inning, all coming after two outs. Jayce Tingler tripled to right-center field and scored on a single by Hoover. Ehlers walked before Laskowski doubled to left field and drive in Hoover and Ehlers for a 5-1 lead.
Western Illinois used a pair of doubles to score one run in the sixth inning but MU rallied, getting another two-out run. This run came via Hoover's solo home run to right field. The hit was Hoover's third of the contest.
The Leathernecks scored two runs in the seventh inning after getting three straight singles to cut into the Tigers' lead, 6-4. However, Missouri answered with six runs to take a 12-4 lead. Laskowski opened the inning with a triple before Weiss singled. Roughton doubled to left field. Luke Cassis walked before Chris Julo drove in Weiss with a sacrifice fly. Ryan Rallo then doubled to score Roughton. Tingler walked to load the bases. Hoover and Ehlers got back-to-back walks to plate two more runs before Laskowski reached on a fielder's choice to score Tingler and round out the six-run scoring outburst.
Hoover had three hits and three runs batted in while Tingler and Laskowski each had two hits. Laskowski also drove in three runs. Garrett Bauer picked up the win after scattering seven hits in six innings of work. Missouri also turned a season-best four double plays in the victory.
Missouri will play No. 25 Oklahoma State in a three-game Big 12 Conference series this weekend at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field. Game one will be Friday at 6:30 p.m.
