Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short to Missouri State

Saturday, March 12

FedExPark

12:00 PM

University of Memphis

5-8

Missouri State

10-2

Missouri State

Memphis

Photo by: Michael Gardner

Mar 12, 2016 | Baseball

Box Score

Memphis scored two runs in the ninth but couldn’t complete the rally

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth and had the tying runs on base but couldn't manage to get the tying hit, as Missouri State held on for a 6-4 win in the series opener Saturday afternoon at FedExPark.

Game 2 of the series has been postponed because of weather. The teams will attempt to play a doubleheader Sunday starting at noon.

Memphis starting pitcher Colton Hathcock had to get out of jams in three of the first four innings and was lifted after a five-run fourth inning.

Memphis grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the first. Right Fielder Jake Little singled off of the pitcher to get on base with one out and left fielder Chris Carrier blooped a single that fell in down the right field line.

Second baseman Brandon Grudzielanek then loaded the bases with another single hit off of the pitcher. Designated hitter Corey Chafin drove in the run with a groundout to second base.

Center fielder Darien Tubbs, who had been held hitless in the previous four games, broke the streak in a big way. The speedy center fielder lined a ball deep to center field and went for third. The throw back in got away and Tubbs raced home for the Tigers second run of the game.

Missouri State stormed back to take the lead with five runs in the top of the fourth. Hathcock quickly retired the first batter before the Bears capitalized on four hits and two Memphis errors to score the runs.

Hunter Smith came in to pitch in the top of the fifth and the Bears added to the lead, scoring on a wild pitch. Smith would be dominant from that point forward though. The freshman allowed just one run on three hits in 3 2/3 innings pitched.

Fellow freshman Alex Smith made his debut on the mound, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth with two strikeouts.

First baseman Trent Turner worked a leadoff walk to get things started in the ninth. Third baseman Zach Schritenthal tripled to right field to drive in Turner. Pinch-hitter Colton Neel then doubled into the gap in right-center field to score Schritenthal. Jake Little singled with two outs but the Tigers couldn't get another hit in the inning.