Illinois (11-10) fell to Missouri (18-6), 6-5, in a thrilling Braggin' Rights contest at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

The Tigers struck first in the ballgame, plating three runs with two outs to take a 3-0 lead. The Illini would get on the board in the second when Ryan Moerman launched his fourth home run, his second in as many games, to left field, making it 3-1.

Missouri would push a run across in the fourth, but Illinois would scored twice in the bottom half of the frame to make it 4-3. Moerman would pick up his second RBI with a run-scoring single and Brody Harding came through with a two-out single two batters later.

The Tigers would restore their three-run lead by plating a run in both the fifth and six innings to make it a 6-3 game, but the Illini rallied again in the bottom of the sixth, scoring twice to make it 6-5. Moerman collected his third RBI of the contest with a sacrifice fly and Cal Hejza followed with an RBI-single of his own to bring the Orange and Blue within one.

Korey Bunselmeyer was stellar in relief, posting 2.2 scoreless frames and allowing just two hits. Bunselmeyer also whiffed two batters and issued no walks.

The game was set up for a dramatic finish when Danny Doligale robbed a home run in the ninth to keep the deficit at one, but the Illini were ultimately unable to score.

Branden Comia's on-base streak ended at 60 games. Moerman led the way offensively for the Illini, going 2-for-3 with a run, home run and three RBI. He leads the team with 24 RBI this season and ranks eighth among Big Ten hitters.

Illinois will be back in action on Friday, taking on Michigan in a three-game set at Illinois Field.