The Missouri Tigers baseball team is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming 2025 season. After a challenging debut year under new coach Kerrick Jackson, the Tigers are determined to build on their experiences and improve their performance. The season kicks off with an exciting trip to Puerto Rico, where they will face three formidable opponents: Penn State, UConn, and Stetson. This article delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each team, providing insight into what lies ahead for the Tigers.
Opening Challenges: Facing Off Against Penn State
The Tigers' season begins in the hometown of senior shortstop Justin Colon, as they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Puerto Rico Challenge. Under second-year head coach Mike Gambino, Penn State enjoyed its first winning season since 2016, finishing with a solid record of 29-24. The Nittany Lions boast a wealth of experience, with over a dozen players either seniors or graduate students. However, their offense lacked power last season, hitting only 71 home runs, placing them near the bottom of Division I statistics.
Penn State's pitching staff also faces challenges. While starters Jaden Henline and Travis Luensmann provided stability, the bullpen struggled with control issues, tallying numerous wild pitches and hit-by-pitches. Key players to watch include Bryce Molinaro, Bobby Marsh, Joe Jaconski, Ethan Bauerschmidt, and Connor Thorneberry. Despite these hurdles, the Nittany Lions present a tough opening challenge for the Tigers, setting the stage for an intense start to the season.
Battling Strong Opposition: UConn and Stetson
The Tigers will then face two more formidable adversaries in Puerto Rico: the UConn Huskies and the Stetson Hatters. UConn, led by head coach Jim Penders, reached the Super Regionals in 2024 despite a disappointing Big East Tournament performance. The Huskies return with many key players, making them a well-rounded and dynamic team. Their offensive strength lies in consistent base running and getting on base, while their pitching was crucial in their postseason success, particularly in the Regionals.
Stetson, fresh off a successful 41-22 season, captured the ASUN Tournament title and made it to the Tallahassee Regionals. Although they lost some talent to graduation, the Hatters' young offense remains aggressive and promising. Pitching-wise, they face significant losses but have returning stars like Dylan Jacobs and Zane Coppersmith to anchor the rotation and bullpen. Players to keep an eye on include Landon Moran, Even Griffis, Ty Van Dyke, and Matthrew Hyle. As the Tigers prepare for these matches, fans can anticipate thrilling games and valuable learning opportunities for the team.