Missouri baseball opened its weekend series against No. 14 Oklahoma with a tough 9-6 loss in Norman on Friday, but the Tigers' offense showed flashes of serious power that kept the game within reach.

The Sooners struck first, capitalizing on a key Missouri error in the second inning to plate four runs, three of which were unearned. The Tigers, however, quickly answered with the long ball. First baseman Jase Woita, the team's premier power threat, launched a no-doubt solo homer over the right field fence to cut the deficit to three.

Oklahoma matched that firepower with a solo shot of its own, but Missouri wasn't done. In the fifth inning, Blaize Ward—fresh off a Co-SEC Freshman of the Week honor—stepped up and crushed his first career home run as a Tiger, a two-run blast that brought Mizzou right back into the contest.

Just as momentum seemed to be shifting, Oklahoma delivered a decisive blow in the seventh. The Sooners' lineup erupted for four runs on a devastating sequence of extra-base hits, including three home runs in the inning, to stretch their lead and ultimately secure the series-opening win.

Despite the final score, the Tigers showcased their offensive potential. Woita and Ward combined for three of Missouri's six runs, proving that even in a loss, this lineup has the pop to compete with ranked opponents. The series continues Saturday as Mizzou looks to even the score.