UAPB Drops Missouri 8-3 to Extend Win Streak to Three Games

COLUMBIA, Missouri -- Sophomore Jerimiah Figueroa hit his second home run of the year, batting in four runs and fellow teammate Josh Cassidy hit his second consecutive game home run, as The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (10-9, 6-3 SWAC) hammered No. 23 Missouri, 8-3, on Tuesday at Taylor Stadium

The Golden Lions, who have won 10 of their last 14 games, snapped the Tigers' mission, who's coming off a good series win verse No. 6 South Carolina last week.  UAPB has won their second game against a nationally rank SEC opponent this season.  

Missouri (18-7, 5-1 SEC) would draw first blood in the bottom of the first, taking a 1-0 lead heading into the second.  The Golden Lions would roar back after the Tigers would put two UAPB runners on first and second.  Followed by Tommy Haas grounded to first, but would reach base on an throwing error, which would score Cassidy and Colin Drury to put the Golden Lions ahead 2-1 in the top of the second. 

  
Cassidy first homer to left field, a solo shot in the seventh and Figueroa repeated the effort again with a two-run blast over the left field wall in the bullpen in the eighth withVladimir Gomez on first after he reached on an error.

UAPB, which playing one of the toughest non-conference schedule among division 1-AA schools, making its best start in school history and playing above 500, under the reign of  Coach Carlos James.

The Golden Lions pitching staff was outstanding once again, chalking up six strikeouts.

RHP Jr. Blake ESTEP received the start and tossed 5.1 innings with a team-high four strikeouts, while allowing just two hits and giving up two runs.  

RHP Jr. Billy Olson (4-2) came in for ESTEP to pitch 1.2 innings and struck out one while giving up just one hit, one run to earn the win.

The Tigers threatened in the sixth inning, placing runners on first and second with one, but CF Rashawn Tillman pulled UAPB out of the jam, with a diving catch in the left-center gap and throwing out a runner at second to complete the double play to end the inning. 

Andre Davis and Kevin Walsh came on in for the last two innings to strike out one, giving up one hit and no runs to secure the victory.  

Josh Cassidy led all hitters going 3-for-4 with an RBI, followed by Jerimiah Figueroa 2-for-4 with four RBI's, and both Andre Davis and Westi Hinkel both going 2-for-4. 

The Golden Lions will be back in action against the Tigers Wednesday March 25, with the first pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION