Missouri baseball blows lead over Texas Tech, wins in extras

Ryan Ampleman, along with the Missouri baseball team, continues to turn things around.

After a series sweep of Kansas State last weekend, the Tigers beat Texas Tech 12-8 in 11 innings on Friday night in Lubbock.

Ampleman was key in the team’s sweep last weekend with his pitch calling behind the plate. On Friday, he was key with his offense.

The catcher hit his second career home run in the fourth inning to give Missouri a 4-0 lead.

Ampleman had been struggling at the plate, but he has been more comfortable since taking coach Tim Jamieson’s advice to stop worrying about improving his season batting average and start off each day with a fresh mindset. Ampleman added another base hit and went 2-for-3 on the day.

Missouri’s pitching started out strong, but started to falter after the Tigers extended their lead to seven. The Red Raiders chipped away at the lead before tying the game at eight it in the ninth inning.

Closing pitcher Jeff Emens had some troubles and Texas Tech almost successfully completed the comeback in the 10th inning. The Red Raiders loaded the bases with one out, but Emens was able to get the Tigers out of the jam.

Missouri then scored four runs in the top of the 11th inning, which was too much for Texas Tech to come back from. The win was Missouri’s third-straight Big 12 victory and fourth-straight win overall.

Missouri (23-17, 7-8 Big 12) plays Texas Tech (24-22, 10-9 Big 12) at 5 p.m. Saturday in Lubbock.