Mizzou baseball gets its season underway tonight with the first of a three-game series with Florida International in Miami. Missouri starts its season with 11 straight games on the road including trips to warm weather locations like Miami, Phoenix, and Memphis.
The Tigers return some key pieces from last year’s Super Regional team that ended its season against Cal State Fullerton. Outfielder Jacob Priday returns for his junior season after leading the Tigers in home runs (11), RBI (49), and slugging percentage (.481). Brock Bond, Evan Frey, and Ryan Lollis finished last season 1-2-3 on the team in batting average. All three return this season, which should give Missouri plenty of offense.
Weather has not been a friend of the Tigers this season. Cold temperatures and snowfall this winter have prevented the Tigers from practicing outside all winter. Tonight’s game will be the first time MU has played baseball outdoors this year.
"We haven’t been able to do anything outside: not wear spikes, not play catch," Coach Tim Jamieson said. "We’ve walked from our cars to the indoor facility… That’s the extent of out outdoor exposure."
Jamieson is looking to reach a milestone in his career. Whenever MU wins its first game, it’ll be the 400 career win for Jamieson. Only two other Missouri head coaches have reached the 400 career win mark: John "Hi" Simmons and Gene McArtor.