COLUMBIA — Even though outfielder Greg Folgia hit his team-leading ninth home run of the season, he wasn't in a good mood after Missouri's 10-5 loss to rival Missouri State.
Folgia sat in his T-shirt on the bench staring off into space waiting for Missouri coach Tim Jamieson to address the team. He was upset that the team ended it seven-game winning streak, he struck out twice and that the team left the bases loaded twice.
"It was terrible," Folgia said. “I don’t know what to tell you. Nothing seemed to go right today but hopefully we can get it out of our system before we play KU."
Missouri used the pitcher-by-committee approach for the 16th time this season, but it didn't work. The 10 runs allowed were the most Missouri has allowed this season.
The Tigers allowed a run in seven different innings, and Jamieson was only happy with the performance of seniors Scooter Hicks and Ryan Gargano.
"The rest of them pitched very defensively behind in the count," Jamieson said. "We've got to put up zeroes and we didn't do that."
The Tiger pitchers struggled from the beginning getting behind in counts, and the staff never got the momentum going that has propelled it to a 12-4 record in games they use at least seven pitchers.
"We have to have guys who attack the hitters a little more," Jamieson said.
Jamieson isn't concerned about fatiguing the arms of the pitching staff despite the 284 innings thrown this season among 13 pitchers.
"I'd be more concerned that we have a few guys who aren't as confident as they were a month ago, but their arms are fine," Jamieson said.
Despite the loss, the Tigers are confident heading into their final Big 12 Conference series against Kansas this weekend at Taylor Stadium. Missouri has won eight of its past nine Big 12 Conference games.
"We're rolling right now," said senior Kyle Mach, who hit a home run. "I've been a round the block a few times this is my fourth time playing these guys (Kansas) and the young guys will understand what it (the rivalry) is about after this weekend."
The Bears used two of their best pitchers against the Tigers in an effort to gain a win and improve their chances to make the NCAA tournament. Right now, the Bears are one of the last at-large teams to be considered in the tournament unless they win the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.