By: Joey Schneider, KCOU Sports

After losing their highly anticipated home opener on Friday, the Missouri Tigers baseball team fell short of redemption and lost their second consecutive contest to the Milwaukee Panthers by a score of 5-1 on Saturday.

The Tigers created several scoring opportunities early on, as Mizzou collected five hits in the first four innings against Panthers’ starting pitcher Brian Keller. Although Mizzou manufactured the first run of the game in the midst of a Zach Lavy rundown, the Tigers left six runners on base and weren’t able to capitalize on many other opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Milwaukee countered the next inning, as the Panthers’ Luke Meeteer hit a one-out triple against Mizzou starter Tanner Houck before scoring on a sacrifice groundout from his teammate Derek Peake. This strong execution continued for Milwaukee, as Meeteer’s hit was one of three triples in the game.

In the top of the fifth inning, Milwaukee used a 4-run rally to pull ahead of Mizzou. The scoring opened with a fielder’s choice, as Mizzou catcher Brett Bond was not able to control a throw from shortstop Ryan Howard that would’ve caused a force out at home plate. Milwaukee continued their offensive dominance with key hits from Derek Peake, Mitch Ghelfi and Sam Koenig, but another critical throwing error from third baseman Josh Lester allowing two runs to score on one play.

Both bullpens proved to be solid in the game, as no relief pitchers from either side surrendered a run. Mizzou pitchers Andrew Schwaab and Austin Tribby combined for three strikeouts in their two innings of work, while Milwaukee relief pitcher Justin Jaquish threw two hitless innings to back up Keller’s quality start and secure the victory.

Despite falling to 10-3 on the season, the Tigers still received positive contributions from a few individuals. Tanner Houck still tossed seven innings and struck out nine hitters on 110 pitches, proving his efficiency to the Tigers in all innings but the fifth. Right fielder Logan Pearson was Mizzou’s best offensive player on the day, collecting three hits and scoring the Tiger’s lone run.

The team swings right back into action tomorrow, as Peter Fairbanks is expected to take the mound in the series finale against the Milwaukee Panthers at 1:05 p.m.