Tigers erased subpar season with NCAA tournament run

One of Missouri's most memorable baseball seasons in recent history will be remembered for a remarkable postseason run that trumped a lackluster regular schedule.

The Tigers were ranked 10th in the nation in the preseason, but stumbled to a 12-15 record in the Big 12. They won 10 of 12 heading into the Super Regional, a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished a so-so 35-28, but they put their game together at the right time and finished only two victories shy of the College World Series.

The school last made it to the World Series in 1964.

Missouri exited fairly quietly in the NCAA Super Regional with only two runs in a pair of losses to Cal State Fullerton on Friday and Saturday. But the school had six players chosen in last week's baseball draft.

Star pitcher Max Scherzer, the 11th overall pick by the Diamondbacks, had a perfect game through five innings of the opener of the Super Regional before Fullerton broke through. Scherzer, a right-hander who throws close to 100 mph, beat then top-ranked Florida in February and shut out Oklahoma in the Big 12 tournament.

Scherzer missed six starts due to injury but became the highest selection ever out of Missouri. He was among six draft picks for the school, all of whom are expected to sign. Pitcher Nathan Culp, taken in the fourth round by the Padres, tied a school record with 11 victories.

Coach Tim Jamieson finished the season one win shy from 400 for his career. He's third on the school career list behind Gene McArtor (733) and John "Hi" Simmons (481).