COLUMBIA, Mo. – A Matt Vernon two-run homer gave Appalachian State University baseball the lead in the sixth inning, however a solo Missouri home run and a RBI single in the bottom of the ninth would be too much as it fell 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Taylor Stadium.
The Mountaineers (6-9) put on their best performance of the weekend, both in the field and at the plate, but the red-hot Tigers (15-1) were still able to escape and push their win streak to 15.
After being plagued with errors in Games One and Two, Appalachian was flawless in the field in Game Three, having no errors and staying sharp in the field. Despite only finishing with three hits, the Black and Gold also got things going offensively, only striking out a tied-series-low eight times to put the pressure on Missouri defensively.
Vernon led the way with his home run and two RBI, while Tyler Stroup and Jason Curtis had the other two hits, with Stroup shooting one to left field in the third and Curtis chipping one to right field.
App State was once again strong on the mound as Luke Watts got the regular Sunday start. Watts went 6.1 innings and struck out four batters, only allowing one run before Reed Howell relieved in the seventh for a full inning, striking out one and not allowing a hit or run.
Matt Brill closed for Appalachian, striking out one and allowing two runs.
The Mountaineers will now get ready for their highly anticipated midweek matchup at the home of the Charlotte Knights, BB&T Ballpark. App State hosts NC Central on Tuesday, March 14 in Charlotte at 6 p.m. before heading to Durham for the Eagles in the back-end of the home-and-home.
