Game Day: Xavier @ Simmons Field

■ College baseball winners and losers (CollegeBaseball.rivals.com, March 8)

Xavier – The Musketeers certainly lost some key cogs from the club that made an NCAA regional last season. But they probably didn’t expect the start this season with a 1-9 record. Xavier has played a relatively tough schedule so far this season but suffered a huge setback over the weekend with no wins in a three-game set against Wake Forest.

■ Deacs complete sweep of Musketeers (Blogger So Dear)

Led by Shane Kroker's 7th inning towering shot over the left field wall to put the Deacs ahead for good, Wake Forest completed the sweep of Xavier in an exciting 12-10 slugfest at Wake Forest Baseball Park on Sunday afternoon. Freshman Niko Spezial recorded his first collegiate win in two innings of relief. Xavier's Brian Muransky took the loss in over two innings of work and Wake Forest's Joel Ernest earned the three out save, his second of the year.

■ Missouri baseball team glad to be home (Columbia Missourian)

The nine games that the Tigers have played have answered some questions. Missouri finished 4-5 on the trip, which is considerably better than the 2-7 mark they came home with after last year's season-opening road trip.

Coach Tim Jamieson said he was pleased with the way his team handled the games, but searching for the team’s identity is still a higher priority than winning.

■ Big inning gives MU baseball team decisive win in home opener (Columbia Missourian)

The Tigers had a four-run fourth inning to make the score 10-1. Missouri coach Tim Jamieson said his team must never go easy on opponents.

“You can’t let up,” Jamieson said. “You’ve got to play all 27 outs. You’ve got to keep your focus. Guys that are on the bench need to be ready because the chance is that they’re going to get to play. They’ve got to learn how to play when they’re ahead and when they’re behind.”

■ Gotta let it roll off (Columbia Tribune)

One pitch into his home debut, and Brown allowed a runner to get to second. Two batters later, Hagins would score to put the Tigers in a hole.

“Defensive errors really kill me inside,” Brown said.