COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri's one big inning didn't match up to Auburn scoring in seven different innings as Missouri lost 11-9 on Thursday at Taylor Stadium.
The teams went into the eighth inning tied at 9, but Niko Buentello smacked a solo shot to center field to give Auburn the lead for good.
The home run tied Buentello with teammate Grier Anfernee for the Southeastern Conference lead with seven this season.
Auburn (15-15, 3-7 SEC) spread out its 11 runs, scoring two in the first and second innings, one in the third, sixth, eighth and ninth innings, and plating three in the fifth.
Missouri (18-14, 2-8 SEC) scored two in the bottom of the first to tie the game, but its big inning was the fourth when seven of the 11 batters rounded the bases to give Missouri a 9-5 lead.
Brett Bond reached on an error to lead off the frame and ended up scoring on an Ian Nelson single. Bond drove in Trey Harris with a single in his second at-bat of the inning. Nick Lavy and Harris hit back-to-back triples to drive in the fifth and sixth runs of the inning.
Harris also brought home a pair of baserunners with a single in the first inning. He went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Nelson had three hits and an RBI.
The first five Auburn batters reached base in the fifth, scoring three runs in the process to cut Missouri's lead to 9-8.
A hit by pitch with the bases loaded in the sixth tied the game at 9.
Reggie McLain started on the mound for Missouri, giving up eight runs (six earned) on 12 hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings. It's the most runs McLain has allowed in eight starts this season.
Cole Bartlett (2-3) gave up two runs in three innings to take the loss, while Liam Carter surrendered a run in two-thirds of an inning.
Austin Tribby retired the only batter he faced in the ninth with a fly out.
Missouri couldn't manage much against Auburn reliever Ben Braymer (3-2), who struck out 11 in five innings. Braymer only allowed two hits and walked one to earn the win.
The teams match up again at 6 p.m. today.