Tigers claw past Chippewas
The Missouri Tigers seem to have found their stride at just the right moment.
The Tigers outlasted the Central Michigan Chippewas 7-6 on Friday night at Taylor Stadium, capturing their fourth straight win. The team seems to be playing their best baseball of the season with the beginning of Big 12 play looming.
The Tigers jumped on the Chippewas early on Friday, compiling seven hits and six runs over the first three innings. Sophomore second baseman Eric Garcia provided a constant spark from the cleanup spot, going 3-3 with two runs scored, one RBI, one walk and a stolen base. The Texas native enjoyed his best offensive game of the season, filling the stat sheet and fueling the Tiger’s attack.
Missouri would need every one of those early-inning runs, as Central Michigan fought back against starter Rob Zastryzny and relievers Jeff Emens and Phil McCormick. Zastryzny was consistent as always, hurling six innings and giving up two earned runs (two more were unearned). The freshman constantly attacked the strike zone, and that aggressiveness resulted in seven strikeouts and zero walks.
Missouri relievers Jeff Emens and Phil McCormick combined to pitch the final three innings, and allowed only two runs, one of which was unearned. McCormick, normally a lefty specialist, was effective in an unusually long 2.1 inning outing, striking out three and picking up his second save of the season.
The Tigers will attempt to keep the ball rolling on Saturday at Taylor Stadium when they once again host the Chippewas at 1 and 4 p.m.