Why settle for three weekend starters when you could have 12?

Missouri lost the first two games of its series against Oklahoma State when Kyle Gibson and Nick Tepesch were knocked around, but the Tigers salvaged Monday’s series finale using their pitcher-by-committee approach. For the second straight weekend, Missouri used nine different pitchers for about an inning apiece. For the second straight weekend, it worked like a charm, as the Tigers earned a 1-0 victory over the Cowboys. Missouri is now 6-1 when using its pitcher-by-committee approach (which, it should be noted, has long been a favorite scheme of Baseball America Editor Will Lingo).

Elsewhere in the Big 12, Oklahoma won the rubber game of its series against Nebraska, 16-6. Junior first baseman Aaron Baker slugged two of Oklahoma’s seven home runs and drove in a career-high five to lead the offense.

One other note: Three Strikes today detailed San Diego’s re-emergence as the class of the West Coast Conference. The Toreros could get another boost soon from the return of senior righthander Matt Couch, who had Tommy John surgery about a year ago. According to a source close to the Toreros, Couch will make his return Tuesday on a strict pitch count against UC Riverside. If Couch can return to pre-surgery form, he’ll give USD a quality Sunday starter and allow A.J. Griffin to move back to the closer role, where he’s been so successful for the last two and a half years.