The Missouri Tigers knew they were much better than they’d shown during a 7 game losing streak that included a 16 to 1 thrashing by the Missouri State Bears two weeks ago in Springfield, Mo. So when the #23 ranked Bears came in to Taylor Stadium Tuesday, the Tigers were ready to pounce.
The Tigers (21-21 overall) topped the Bears( 28-11 overall) 17-9. The Tigers lineup got to Missouri State starter Andy Cheray knocking him out of the game after 2.1 innings with six runs on four hits and five walks. By the end of the fourth inning the Tigers led 10-1.
Every Missouri starter recorded a hit, six of the nine starters had multi-hit games, and Zach Lavy and Shane Benes each had a trio of hits including home runs for both players. They piled up the 17 runs on just as many hits, and were assisted by five walks and 4 errors from the visitors.
For the Bears, the losses have begun to pile up lately. Since their April 12^th victory over Mizzou they are 2-5 and are giving up just over 9 runs a game and have been outscored 65 to 34. Sophomore Jake Burger had his 17^th home run of the season putting him into a tie for first for most home runs in all of division 1 baseball.
The Tigers will now welcome the Tennessee Volunteers to Taylor Stadium this weekend for a pivotal SEC series. The Tigers (4-14) in the league trail the Volunteers (6-12) in conference by two games for the final spot in the SEC baseball tournament next month.
 
(Photo: Jordan Kodner, senior staff photographer, The Maneater)