Defensively neither team shined as the Tigers, who committed five errors, had trouble making routine plays, and WIU played like an 0-15 team.

Missouri first base coach Chris Smith (17) gives instructions to W.T. Hoover, who has 2 for 4 yesterday against Western Illinois. Ed Pfueller photo

But Missouri (13-9-1) did just enough to keep the Leathernecks winless with a 10-2 victory.

Missouri coach Tim Jamieson was hoping to see some of his younger players perform when given the playing time against such a woeful team, but was disappointed.

"The only thing we got accomplished was a win," he said. "I think in the game we weren’t very focused, we didn’t perform very well in any capacity and we’re fortunate to win the game. We didn’t play well, but hopefully we’ll leave that here and get ready to for Nebraska."

The game against WIU (0-16) was almost a practice for the Tigers in preparation for the weekend series at Big 12 juggernaut No. 5 Nebraska (16-5). Six pitchers made appearances, with Jon Harris (3-0) lasting the longest, going three scoreless innings with two strikeouts to pick up the win.

"I know I don’t like to see that many pitchers myself," Jamieson said. "It’s difficult to adjust to. It’s one of those days we learn from it and move on."

The Tigers failed to convert on numerous scoring opportunities. They scored two runs early in the fifth, but with the bases loaded and no outs and the heart of the batting order - Jon Williams, Ryan Stegall and Mick Weiss - failed to produce.

In the seventh the Tigers again had their first two batters score, but failed to advance runners in scoring position with Stegall and Weiss flying out to end the inning.

Because of the Missouri futility on offense, the Leathernecks trailed only 4-0 entering the eighth inning.

But then the blooper reel began. Tiger Jayce Tingler hit a slow roller that the WIU shortstop failed to get to and went for a single. Williams sent a high pop fly into foul territory that third baseman Heath Wilke dropped for an error. Williams got another break when he hit the ball into shallow center, but WIU’s center fielder misjudged the play. He first ran back, and then lunged forward only to see the ball drop in front of his face as Williams advanced to second on his second double of the game. The Tigers reeled off six runs in the bizarre inning to pull away.

"I thought the last couple of innings we had some balls hit hard. Mick Weiss, Jayce Tingler, Jon Williams all hit the ball hard," Jamieson said. "On Williams’ second double he got fortunate, but he’ll tell you that he’ll take ‘em too. It’s good to see him back in the game because he’s been one of our leaders."

Wes Fewell was one of the few bright spots for the Tigers. The junior right fielder played well in his second game back from a wrist injury he suffered while sliding into home in the Kansas series a week ago.

Fewell, of Columbia, scored twice, had two doubles in four at bats.

"I’m feeling all right. I’m still a little uncomfortable from taking that week off, but my swing is starting to feel better," Fewell said. "I wanted to test the wrist especially with Nebraska coming up. They’re going to be a tough team to play and it feels good to get your swing back when you play opponents like that."

The Leathernecks averted a shutout when former Columbia Hickman player Joe Rooney, who played at MU for a year, belted a ninth-inning homer off Stegall. It was Rooney’s second homer of the season.