Mizzou unable to salvage series finale at No. 3 Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Baseball could not overcome No. 3 Tennessee's three-run first inning on Saturday, falling to the Volunteers 3-2 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Kerrick Jackson's crew lost all three games of the weekend series and are now 6-15 in SEC play.

After Helias alum Trevor Austin gave the Tigers their first lead of the weekend with an RBI single in the first inning, Tennessee responded with three runs in the home half of the opening frame. Kavares Tears tied the game with an RBI single to right field, and then, Dean Curley gave the Volunteers a two-run lead with a two-RBI single to left field. Mizzou cut that deficit down to 3-2 in the fifth inning on an RBI double from Jackson Lovich but were unable to bring the tying run across the plate.

The Tigers finished with more hits than the Volunteers in this game. As a team, Mizzou posted eight hits, including a two-hit performance from Lovich and a three-hit game from Danny Corona. However, Lovich's RBI double in the fifth inning was Mizzou's only extra base hit of the game.

Carter Rustad was charged with the loss in this contest. The right-hander gave up two earned runs on six hits over five innings of work. He also struck out four batters. Bryce Mayer relieved Rustad in the sixth inning, and the junior pitcher tossed three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing just one hit and recording two strikeouts.

Up next - the Tigers kick off a seven-game homestand, starting on April 30 against Lindenwood. First pitch at Taylor Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m.