SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- The University of Portland baseball team played their best game of the Oakland A’s Spring Training Tournament, but fell short to the Missouri Tigers for the second straight day, 2-1 Sunday morning. Sophomore Travis Vetters accounted for the lone Pilot score with his first home run of the season in the fourth inning, but Missouri scored two in the sixth to take the lead for good. The Pilots are now 0-4 on the season while Missouri improves to 3-0.

Sophomore left-hander Jared Adams held the Tigers scoreless through the first five innings, allowing just one hit but got into some trouble in the sixth. Bo Davis started the rally with a pinch hit single and then advanced to second on passed ball. After a walk and fielder’s choice, Cody Ehlers belted a two-run double to right center putting Missouri up 2-1.

Sophomore right-hander Stephen Ball spelled Adams and struck out Hunter Mense to close out the inning. Ball pitched two innings in all giving up one hit, while fellow sophomore Trent Kristjanson retired James Boone in the bottom of the eighth to keep it a one-run game.

Missouri closer Max Scherzer came on and struck out the side to preserve the win. Garrett Broshuis pitched six innings for MU, giving up four hits and striking out eight. Dustin Braud was effective in the next two innings, allowing only a walk before handing the ball to Scherzer.

The Pilots matched Missouri with four hits in the game, and did not commit a single error. Rhett Parker, Jesse Rodgers and Sean Sargent tallied hits in addition to Vetters’ homer. Rodgers now has at least one hit in all four games this season. Adams went 5.2 innings, giving up two runs on three hits, three walks and he struck out two.

Portland left five runners on base, while Missouri stranded 10.

Next up for the Pilots is the team’s home-opener on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Pilot Stadium. Portland begins a two-game series with Lewis & Clark at 1:00 p.m. The teams take the field again on Sunday with another 1:00 p.m. start time.