@MizzouBaseball Claims Series Opener vs. Northwestern, 3-2

Friday, March 8

Columbia, Mo.

3 PM

University of Missouri

7-5

Northwestern

4-7

Northwestern

Mizzou

@MizzouBaseball Claims Series Opener vs. Northwestern, 3-2

3/8/2019 7:27:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Sikkema’s strong start, Gomez’s clutch two-run double are difference makers

Photo Gallery

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball (7-5) opened its weekend at Taylor Stadium with a 3-2 victory over Northwestern Friday afternoon. The Tigers utilized another strong start by junior LHP TJ Sikkema, who limited the visiting Wildcats to one run over seven innings of work.

With the game tied at one apiece in the seventh inning, senior INF Paul Gomez tallied a big two-run double to give Mizzou its first lead of the day. Northwestern cut its deficit to one run in the eighth, but senior RHP Cameron Dulle entered for Mizzou and delivered 1.2 scoreless frames with four strikeouts to secure the victory.

#ShowMe Top Performers vs. Northwestern

Sikkema: (W) 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dulle: (SV) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Gomez: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Chad McDaniel: 2-for-4, RBI

Hear From Head Coach Steve Bieser

On Sikkema improving his game after high pitch count early on…

"TJ is mature beyond his years when it comes to pitching. He really understands what he needs to do. Coach Corral and I were talking that we might only get five innings out of him today. Coach Corral challenged him and he arose to that challenge. All of a sudden he was getting 10-pitch innings and got us through seven innings."

On Gomez stepping up at the plate…

"We're searching for some energy on the field. Paul is one of our best defenders. When TJ is on the mound and you're probably playing a tight game. It was an easy call to put Paul in the lineup from a defensive standpoint. It was really nice to see his bat get going."

#MIZ Takeaways

Mizzou now leads the all-time series over Northwestern, 4-2.
The Tigers are a perfect 2-0 at Taylor Stadium this year.
Mizzou improved to 3-0 when limiting its opponents to two runs or less.
The Tigers continue to lock down games when leading late, as they're now 7-0 when possessing a lead after eight innings of play.
Sikkema continues his magnificent start to 2019, as he allowed only his first earned run of the season Friday. In 19.2 innings pitched this year, the Tiger lefty possesses an incredible 0.46 ERA while striking out 25 batters.
McDaniel remained hot at the plate, posting his team-leading sixth multi-hit game of the season. Those six multi-hit efforts have occurred over his past eight games played.
Dulle continued his renaissance on the mound, notching his fifth straight scoreless appearance to begin the year. In 8.2 innings pitched, the Tiger senior has struck out 14 batters while limiting batters to a .129 average.
With a walk in the seventh inning, junior OF Kameron Misner has reached base in 14 consecutive games dating back to the 2018 campaign.

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