HI NOTES: Opportunity knocks

Andreas Plackis
Columbia Missourian

GAME DAY

♦ Missouri easily handles Kansas State (Columbia Tribune)

Making his first start since Feb. 26 — and getting his first playing time of any kind since March 27 — Plackis was 3 for 3 with three runs and two RBI to help propel the Tigers to a 13-4 victory over Kansas State last night on Simmons Field.

"The great thing about Plackis is that he always works hard," said Jamieson, who added that Plackis has earned at least a couple more starts. "He's always ready — even if it's a month and a half between starts or two months between starts. He was ready tonight."
. . .
McGraw, who had gone 7 for 18 since taking over at first base, has a partially torn ligament in his thumb and will be in a cast for at least two weeks, opening the door for Plackis.

The redshirt junior — who indicated this would be his final year — led off three innings, and reached each time, scoring in the fourth and sixth innings. He added a two-run double in the seventh inning as the Tigers posted their highest run total in conference play.

"It's tough when you're moved in and out to stay focused and stay motivated, passionate about the game," Plackis said. "But I think time on the bench sometimes is character-building. What comes from that can help you produce even more on the field."

♦ Missouri baseball routs Kansas State, ends conference losing streak (Columbia Missourian)

When Missouri baseball's first two batters struck out in the first inning in its game against Kansas State on Friday, Missouri pitcher Rob Zastryzny prepared to take the field, as he always does when there are two outs.

Instead of a quick third out and trot to the mound, however, Zastryzny watched the Tigers score four runs, thanks in part to an error by the Wildcats' first baseman on a Dane Opel ground ball.

RECRUITS

♦ Rock Bridge tops Kewps in pitchers' duel (Columbia Tribune)

Rock Bridge right-hander Ryan Phillips (1-1) was equally impressive and even more overpowering. The returning all-state senior scattered five hits, struck out 11 and would have taken the mound for the ninth inning if Brumfield hadn't delivered.

"He was going to go out for one more," Rock Bridge Coach Justin Towe said of Phillips, who was on deck when Brumfield ended the game.

"I was hoping for Connor to get a base hit, and he did," Phillips said. "Any way to win the ballgame is what I was hoping for."