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UCF’s offense came alive early, scoring seven runs in the first five innings to defeat the University of Missouri baseball team, 7-1, Thursday evening at John Euliano Park. The win helped the Knights remain undefeated at 4-0, while Mizzou fell to 1-3 on the season.
Key Performances: Kaden Peer led the Tigers’ offense with three hits, including his first home run of the season. On the mound, relievers Nic Smith, PJ Green, and Ben Smith combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.
However, UCF’s top half of the lineup was too much for Mizzou to overcome. DeAmez Ross went 3-for-5 with two runs, and Andrew Sundean had three RBIs to power the Knights’ attack.
Game Breakdown: The Knights wasted no time, as Ross led off the game with a single, sparking a two-run rally. With two outs, Sundean doubled to left-center, bringing home Ross and Braden Calise for a 2-0 lead.
UCF extended its advantage in the third inning when Andrew Williamson hit a two-run homer down the right-field line, pushing the lead to 4-0.
In the fifth, Ross again got things started with a leadoff hit, and Lex Boedicker doubled to bring home two more runs. Sundean’s sacrifice fly capped the three-run inning, making it 7-0.
Despite threatening with runners in scoring position, Missouri could not break through against UCF starter Matt Sauser, who allowed just three hits over four innings and struck out four. Mizzou finally got on the board in the sixth when Peer belted a solo home run to right-center to cut the deficit to 7-1.
The Tigers’ bullpen held strong in the later innings. Smith, Green, and Ben Smith combined for three scoreless innings, with Smith fanning the side in the eighth inning.
Tiger Notes:
- The all-time series between UCF and Mizzou is now tied at 2-2.
- Peer’s 3-for-4 performance marked his third career three-hit game for the Tigers.
- Mizzou has homered in each of its last three games, with six different Tigers hitting a home run over that stretch.
- Mateo Serna’s hit in the game extended his hitting streak to three games.
- Ben Smith has struck out six batters in 3.0 shutout innings this season.
- Mizzou remains perfect on the base paths, now 8-for-8 in stolen bases this season.
- Four Tigers made their debuts in the game: Green, Josh Kirchhoff, Brady Picarelli, and Chris Patterson.
Next Up: The Tigers continue play at the Andre Dawson Classic on Friday, facing Florida A&M at 7 p.m. (CST) at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Fla.
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