2015 SEC Baseball Tournament: Alabama - Missouri Preview / Open Thread

Win or go home. It's that simple.

On paper, Alabama should be able to scratch out a win. Looks can be deceiving though. The Tide in its mid-season swoon lost two of three to the Tigers in Columbia. Missouri comes into this one with an RPI of 54, and a 29-27 record on the season -- and each game is for the season. Alabama, meanwhile, is alive for post-season play, having gone 9-3 over its last twelve with a sweep of tournament-bound Auburn, a win over Vanderbilt, and an RPI of 39. The Tide need to keep winning to have a realistic shot. Taking care of business today at "home" is the first step.

Yesterday, both teams had their hearts ripped out. Alabama's was somewhat predictable, or at least not as horrendous as what happened to MU, who led big over the Commodores most of the afternoon.

2015 SEC Baseball Tournament: Vanderbilt Commodores 7, Missouri Tigers 6 - Team Speed Kills

After a scorless top half for Mizzou, the Commodores were up yet again, now with a chance to win the game. With zero outs, Rhett Wiseman was up. With the wind blowing, with two balls and two strikes, he got a hold of a fastball. As the ball traveled, Vanderbilt fans got louder. A last ditch effort by the Missouri centerfielder didn't come to fruition, and the ball flew past the fence leading to a Vanderbilt victory, 7-6.

For Missouri, you wonder how sick they must be. For Vanderbilt, you wonder how they did it. For the fans, you're jealous with how great a baseball game that was.

Here is how GABA breaks down an improving, but average and underpowered, Missouri squad:

2015 SEC Baseball Tournament Preview: Is it LSU's to lose, or could another team emerge? - Garnet And Black Attack

The Tigers are last in the SEC in batting average (.258) and on base percentage (.330) while ranking second from the bottom in runs scores (260). While they might make it past South Carolina in the opening round, they probably won't make it too far.

How / When / Where To Watch: The game begins at 9:38 a.m. Central Time, and is available on the SEC Network, as well as the WatchESPN streaming service. 99.1 Alabama sports radio has your local coverage, and Sirius 210/XM 190 will be available for those with satellite services.

Below is your open thread for Day Three action in the 2015 SEC Baseball Tournament.

HR - Will Haynie; RBI - Casey Hughston, Cody Henry 2, Haynie
Pitching - Taylor Guilbeau (Win), J. Shaw (Hold),  T. Burrows (Save)

UP NEXT: BAMA vs. Texas A&M-Vandy loser, Friday, 3:00 pm CT.