Missouri baseball kicks off season
Despite losing six players to the MLB draft last year, the Missouri baseball team brings plenty of experience into this season.
Senior first baseman Aaron Senne turned down an offer from the Minnesota Twins to return to Missouri for his senior season. He now leads a group of game-tested upperclassmen into the new year.
Joining Senne in the infield is senior shortstop Michael Liberto, who started in all but three games last season. Liberto is the only returning starter to the infield, but many others have significant playing time under their belts. Junior Andrew Thigpen and sophomore Conner Mach can both play multiple positions, and Mach may look to take over third base for his brother Kyle who was drafted last year.
The newest face in the infield is junior catcher Ryan Ampleman, who will step in for graduated three-year starter Trevor Coleman.
The Tigers’ pitching staff is defined by a strong group of juniors, led by right-hander Nick Tepesch. Tepesch has pitched in 40 games in his two years at Missouri. Joining him is bullpen ace Brad Buehler, who had a record-tying 35 relief appearances last year. Rounding out the staff are able juniors Kelly Fick, Tyler Clark and Phil McCormick.
The outfield is the youngest group for the Tigers, as Senne has vacated his outfield spot to play first base. Junior Jonah Schmidt and sophomore Ryan Gebhart bring big bats and some game experience. The rest of the outfielders are freshmen or redshirted sophomores looking for their first action.
The Tigers travel to Alabama for the Auburn Invitational this weekend, starting with Florida Atlantic at 2 p.m. Friday.