Mizzou baseball earns Braggin’ Rights with win over Illinois

O'FALLON, Mo. (KMIZ)

Braggin' Rights belong to the Mizzou baseball team.

On Tuesday night, head coach Kerrick Jackson and company earned their second-straight win over Illinois in as many seasons, handling business in a 5-1 victory.

It looked like the Tigers might be in some trouble out of the gates, as starting pitcher PJ Green loaded up the bases in the first inning. However, he set the tone for the rest of the game after that, sitting down the next three batters to get out of the jam.

After that, Mizzou managed to get most of its scoring done in the home half of the frame. Senior Cameron Bensen and freshmen Blaize Ward each drove in two runners apiece to take a four-run lead over the rival Fighting Illini.

Illinois managed to cut its deficit to three runs in the sixth inning, after scoring off of a wild pitch. But, MU got its four-run cushion back in the bottom of the frame, thanks to Bensen. He smacked leadoff double into right field and was later brought home on a sacrifice fly to make it a 5-1 ball game.

On the hill, Green was pulled after 3.0 innings, allowing just one hit, while fanning two Illinois batters. His relief faired just as well as he did. Mizzou's next four pitchers combined for just one run allowed on four total hits and six strikeouts, out of the bullpen.

With the rivalry win, Mizzou improved to 17-8 on the year.

Up next - the Tigers will stay in the St. Louis area, as a clash with Lindenwood is on the books for Wednesday. First pitch against the Lions is set for 6 p.m.