COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Missouri baseball team couldn’t hold on to a 4-1 lead Friday, losing 8-5 to South Carolina.
The Tigers led 4-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but the Gamecocks scored four runs in the frame and added three in the eighth to lead 8-4.
Missouri added a run in the ninth on Zach Lavy’s solo home run. Lavy led the Tigers with three hits.
Ian Nelson and Kirby McGuire each had two hits, with one of Nelson’s being a two-run single in the second.
Jake Ring had an RBI double in the sixth to extend Missouri’s lead to 4-1.
Missouri pitcher Reggie McClain (3-3) held South Carolina in check until the sixth, but ended up allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two in five innings to take the loss.
Cole Bartlett, Austin Tribby and Nolan Gromacki each made a relief appearance.
Missouri falls to 20-19 overall and 4-12 in Southeastern Conference play. South Carolina is 31-8 and 12-4.
Game 2 of the series is at 3 p.m. today.