LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Missouri Tigers capitalized on a critical Kentucky error to erupt for four unearned runs in the fifth inning, securing a 5-2 victory over the Wildcats to win the Southeastern Conference series Sunday evening at Kentucky Proud Park.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, saw Missouri improve to 19-14 overall and 2-1 in the SEC. The Wildcats, who entered the weekend series ranked among the nation’s top teams, fell to 23-8 and 1-2 in conference play. The result defied pregame projections from Interstat, which gave Kentucky a 78.6% probability to win and forecasted a 6-3 Wildcats victory.

The decisive sequence unfolded in the top of the fifth inning with Missouri leading 1-0. After a replay review overturned an inning-ending call at first base, extending the frame, the Tigers’ Maisonet Er walked and Knutson Kee reached on a throwing error by Wildcats starter Ben Cleaver on a sacrifice bunt attempt. Durnin Kam then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Maisonet Er. Following a single by Peer Kaden, Kentucky caught Kaden in a rundown for the second out, but Knutson Kee alertly scored from third during the play.

Missouri continued to pressure Cleaver, loading the bases with two outs on a hit batter and a walk. Wildcats coach Nick Mingione then summoned reliever Ryan Mullan from the bullpen. Mullan immediately unleashed a wild pitch, allowing another run to score, before designated hitter Blaize Ward delivered the inning’s key blow, a single through the right side to drive in Woita Jase. Reliever Nile Adcock then entered for Kentucky and walked in the inning’s final run, giving Missouri a commanding 5-0 lead.

Kentucky’s only offense came via a solo home run by Luke Lawrence in the third inning and an unearned run in the second, scored by T. Tyson on an RBI single from S. Bell that was aided by a Missouri fielding error.

The Tigers’ pitching staff, led by a dominant relief performance from Juan Villarreal, made the lead stand. Villarreal, named the top star for Missouri, entered with two outs in the fifth inning and stifled the Wildcats’ offense. He pitched three perfect innings, striking out one, to earn the win. His outing provided crucial stability after starter Sam Rosand allowed two runs over four innings. Eli Skidmore closed the game with two scoreless innings to seal the series victory.

Ward led Missouri’s seven-hit attack, going a perfect 3 for 3 with two RBIs and reaching base two additional times after being hit by pitches. Cleaver took the loss for Kentucky despite a solid start, charged with four runs, only one earned, on four hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five.

The victory gave Missouri the series after the teams split the first two games. The Wildcats won 9-2 on Saturday, while the Tigers took the opener 5-4 on Friday.

Missouri returns home to face Missouri State on Tuesday. Kentucky will host Louisville on Tuesday before traveling to Auburn for a three-game SEC series next weekend.