A UC Irvine player is down after colliding with the MU 1st baseman, Derek Chambers.

Though the runner was initially called Safe– because the collision knocked the ball out of the baseman’s glove– the decision was eventually overturned, declaring the runner Out. (Apparently there has been new collegiate legislation declaring avoidable baserunning collisions illegal… or something like that.)

It should be noted that the UCI player fared far worse than the MU fielder. It seems Derek’s only misery was losing the ball. That didn’t seem to be the case for the ailing Anteater.

Oh. And No.9? That’s MU Head Coach Tim Jamieson.

2nd baseman Trevor Helms strikes out swinging.

After finishing off a dramatic win against UC Irvine in an elimination game during their leg of Regional play in the NCAA playoffs, Mizzou players not only gave each other the customary “Good Game” but they also rewarded one another with hugs.

Awwww…..

The Mizzou pre-game lineup greets pitcher (though not today) Brant Combs at the close of their infield practice.

1st baseman Derek Chambers tries for the pickoff. The UC Irvine runner made it back just in time.

Starting pitcher Nathan Culp goes through his pitching motion.

Catcher J.C. Field chats with starting pitcher Nathan Culp on the mound.

They had plenty of time to talk because a controversial play was being bantered about over at first base where a UC Irvine runner had collided with the MU 1st baseman, Derek Chambers, knocking the ball from his glove. While the UCI player was on the ground and being tended to by trainers as he recovered from the self-induced impact, the umpires heard complaints from the MU quarter regarding new collegiate rulings about avoidable collisions, conferred amonst themselves and then reversed their initial decision, ultimately calling the runner Out at first.

Who knows what these two are talking about.

Mizzou played the part of the visiting team for today’s matchup against UC Irvine.

A pair of MU Alumni propped the Mizzou logo on top of the dugout and declared it a “Rally Cat.” As the game wore on, various parents added to the shrine. The Tiger-worship turned out to be effective because MU finally pulled out the win in the 14th inning.

Kurt Calvert, Bryson Leblanc & today’s DH, Jacob Priday greet catcher J.C. Field after infield practice during the pre-game warmup.