COLUMBIA, Mo. - Sophomore Ryan Howard (St. Charles, Mo.) tied a career high with four RBI as the Tigers used an early offensive outbreak to beat Air Force by a score of 6-0 on Tuesday night (March 17) at Taylor Stadium. Brett Peel (St. Charles, Mo.) and Jake Ring (Ingleside, Ill.) each reached base and scored in their first two trips to the plate.
Tuesday's matchup is the first of a midweek series between Mizzou and Air Force. Following the win, the Tigers improve to 16-4 on the year. Mizzou is off to its best start since the 2008 season, when the team opened the year 19-2. The 6-0 victory marks the fifth shutout of the season for Mizzou. Tomorrow's game with Air Force has been moved to 2:30 p.m.
The Tigers jumped on the board with two runs in the first inning as the first four Mizzou batters reached base safely. Peel led off the game with a walk, was singled over by Ring, and was singled home by Howard.
Senior pitcher John Miles dazzled for the Tigers in his second start of the year. The righty from Columbia, Mo., recorded his longest outing of the season, logging six shutout innings while scattering just three hits. Miles provided the latest example of dominant Mizzou pitching as the Tigers rank second in the SEC in ERA this season.
Mizzou added to its lead over the next two innings, providing some separation between the Tigers and the Falcons. In the bottom of the second, Howard came to bat with the bases loaded and two outs. The sophomore shortstop lined a double into right center to clear the bases. Logan Pearson (Bentonville, Ark.) tripled home a run in the third inning to push the Tiger lead to six runs.
After Miles' season-best performance, the Mizzou bullpen shut the door on the Falcons. Austin Tribby (Springfield, Mo.) provided a hitless inning of late relief and recorded one strikeout. Freshman Bryce Montes De Oca (Lawrence, Ks.) recorded his third relief appearance of the season, pitching two shutout innings to end the game.
The Tigers finish off the midweek series with Air Force on Wednesday, where Mizzou hopes to improve to 4-0 all-time against the Falcons. Wednesday's match-up is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. first pitch. For all the latest on Mizzou Baseball, follow the team on twitter (@MizzouBaseball) or check in to MUTigers.com.