O’FALLON, Mo. (Interstat) — The Missouri Tigers scored four unearned runs in the first inning and rode a combined five-hitter from seven pitchers to a 5-1 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Tuesday night at CarShield Field.

A costly fielding error by Illinois first baseman Putty opened the door for three runs before Blaize Ward’s two-run double made it 4-0. Illinois scored its lone run on a passed ball in the sixth. Missouri’s PJ Green, Eli Skidmore, Sam Rosand and Kadden Drew combined for 5 2/3 scoreless relief innings. Illinois relievers Sam Mommer and Liam McKillop each had multiple strikeouts in hitless outings.

Missouri improved to 17-8. Illinois fell to 12-11.