University of Missouri
Texas
Mizzou Defeats Texas, Clinches Spot in Big 12 Tourney
5/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 19, 2006
COLUMBIA, Mo.-- - Missouri clinched a spot in next week's Big 12 Tournament with a 6-5 win over No. 3 Texas in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Taylor Stadium.
Junior Max Scherzer recorded the win to move to 6-1 on the season, as he struck out eight in seven innings on the mound. He allowed just one run on three hits, marking the eighth time in his 11 appearances that he has not allowed more than one run.
Senior Travis Wendte pitched the final two innings, striking out three and recording his first save of the season. It was the 15th save of his career, moving him into third on Missouri's career saves list.
After Texas scored the game's first run in the top of the third inning, MU responded with a run in the bottom half of the inning when junior Hunter Mense singled to drive home senior Trevor Helms. Mense finished the game 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
Mizzou (27-24, 10-15 Big 12) took the lead on a home run by senior Derek Chambers to open the bottom of the fifth inning. It was the fourth homer of the year for Chambers. Freshman Ryan Lollis followed Chambers to the plate and reached on a catcher's interference call, then scored on a single by sophomore Brock Bond, giving Missouri the 3-1 lead after five innings. Bond had a pair of hits on the night, scoring a run and driving in one.
In the seventh inning, the first four Tigers to the plate reached safely, with the fourth batter, Evan Frey driving in a pair of runs with a single. Junior Gary Arndt drove home a run with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 6-1.
Texas (38-16, 19-5 Big 12) made a late charge, scoring four runs in the final two innings to make it a one-run game. Hunter Harris singled home two runs in the eighth before the Longhorns scored a pair of unearned runs in the ninth inning.
The series will continue at 2 p.m. on Saturday, which will be Senior Day at Taylor Stadium. The Tigers will recognize their eight seniors on the field prior to the game. For tickets, call 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia) or go to mutigers.com. Saturday's game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Midwest and Metro Sports. It can be also heard on KTGR 1580-AM in Columbia and at ktgr.com. Live stats will be available on mutigers.com.
