By: Emil Lippe, KCOU Sports

Reggie McClain came into Friday’s game for the Tigers with a stunning ERA of 0.38, but that would change by the end of the night as Missouri lost their home opener to the Milwaukee Panthers by a final of 7-4.

In 5.1 innings pitched, McClain would struggle and give up five runs to the Panthers. Sam Koenig had a great night for Milwaukee, going 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs and also scoring two runs for the Panthers.

For the Tigers, they found themselves down 4-0 entering the fifth inning. A spark would be ignited when Missouri was able to load the bases and Justin Langley would walk in the first run for the Tigers.

Missouri cut the deficit to one run when Brett Peel hit a two-run double to make the score 4-3. However, that’s where the 5th inning rally would end, and the Tigers would not be able to hold down the Panther offense.

After McClain’s outing of 5.1 innings, 5 Ks, and 2 BBs, Missouri would bring on John Miles. Miles would give up a two run shot to Koenig, making the score 6-3 in favor of the Panthers.

Missouri would load the bases again in the bottom of the seventh. Milwaukee pitcher Jake Tuttle would walk in a run for the Tigers, trimming the deficit to two runs at 6-4.

With Missouri hoping to break through and take the lead, all hopes of another rally evaporated when Missouri hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

After tacking on an extra insurance run in the top of the eighth, the Panthers would close out the game and beat the Missouri Tigers in their home opener.

The Tigers will look to even the series with the Panthers on Saturday, first pitch is set for 2 p.m.