University of Missouri
Baylor
Mizzou Downs Baylor 7-3 to Even Series
5/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 21, 2005
WACO, Texas - - On a day where temperatures reach 102 degrees, No. 20 Mizzou picked up its ninth win over a ranked opponent with a 7-3 victory over No. 10 Baylor in Waco, Texas.
The win gives the Tigers a 36-19 overall record and a 15-11 mark in the Big 12, matching their most conference wins in the last eight seasons. The win also guarantees Missouri can finish no lower than fourth in the Big 12 Conference standings.
The Tigers put two runs across the plate in the first inning after Baylor starter Trey Taylor opened the game by issuing walks to the first two batters on eight pitches. Both runners would come around to score as freshman Jacob Priday singled to drive in sophomore Trevor Helms and junior Derek Chambers scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Hunter Mense.
Taylor opened the second inning by again issuing walks to the first two batters and once again, both would score for Mizzou. Sophomore Gary Arndt singled to drive in sophomore John McKee and junior Greg O'Neill on the play on a throwing error by the Bears' shortstop.
The Bears scored a run in the bottom of the third inning, as Josh Ford doubled down the left field line to drive in Kyle Reynolds.
Missouri answered with its third two-run inning of the game in the top of the fourth as McKee led off with a single and O'Neill followed with a walk. Both would score on a single by Arndt, who finished the day 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Baylor added two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but Mense helped squash any comeback attempt with a solo home run in the top of the ninth, his third homer of the season. Mense was 2-for-4 with two RBI.
McKee also had two hits for MU and scored twice.
Sophomore Nathan Culp turned in his longest outing since a seven-inning performance at Oklahoma State on April 16, by going six innings and giving up just one run on five hits. He took the win to move to 9-2 on the season.
Junior Andrew Johnston pitched the final three innings, allowing just two unearned runs on five hits and recording his fourth save of the season.
Mizzou and Baylor wrap up the regular season on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Big 12 Tournament starts next Wednesday in Oklahoma City, Okla.
