Missouri scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to pull out a 3-1 win over FIU on Opening Night of the 2018 season Friday at the FIU Baseball Stadium.

Brian Sharp reached on an error to lead off the top of the ninth inning against FIU reliever Andres Nunez. Chris Cornelius followed with a walk before FIU freshman Christian Santana relieved Nunez.

Paul Gomez's sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third base before each scored on a wild pitch to give the Tigers a 3-1 advantage.

The Panthers managed to get the tying run on base against Missouri reliever T.J. Sikkema (1-0) in the bottom of the ninth after Kobe Lopez was hit by a pitch and Christian Khawam singled. However, Nile Ball got the final out to record the save and preserve the win for the Tigers.

FIU got solid pitching from starter Tyler Myrick and Nunez. Myrick pitched four scoreless innings, allowed three hits and struck out seven. Nunez (0-1) also went four innings, allowed three hits, three runs and struck out seven.

The Panthers scored in bottom of the sixth after Missouri had taken a 1-0 lead. Adan Fernandez started the sixth with a walk. Eddie Silva's double down the left field line set up runners at second and third for freshman Logan Allen, who singled to left center scoring Fernandez.

FIU and Missouri play the middle game of the three-game series Saturday at 6 p.m. with Allen facing fellow left-hander Michael Plassmeyer.