Mississippi State softball’s College World Series debut didn’t go as hoped, with the Bulldogs getting blasted 8-0 in a shortened outing versus Texas Tech.
Though broccoli was prevalent in the Bulldog dugout, with newfound Mississippi State superfan Jim Stewart Allen bringing the good vibes from the stands in Oklahoma City, Samantha Ricketts’ club could not carry the momentum of slaying the sport’s juggernaut last weekend into Thursday’s matchup.
The three-seed Red Raiders (58-7) were led by Jackie Lis, who had two hits, a home run, and three RBI, along with a two-hit and one RBI performance from Mihyi Davis. Meanwhile, decorated pitcher Nija Canady (26-6) was as advertised, striking out three batters in four scoreless innings, while only allowing two hits.
Texas Tech struck quickly in the five-inning affair with Lis homering in the bottom of the first to give the Red Raiders a 2-0 advantage. That lead was expanded to 4-0 the next inning, and the early victory was solidified by four runs being added to the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth.
Mississippi State (43-20), the five-seed, was held at bay all game, with Morgan Stiles and Kinley Keller logging the club’s lone hits. Left-handed pitcher Alyssa Faircloth (16-8) was tabbed with the loss after surrendering four earned runs in 1.1 innings. Peja Goold took over in the circle for the remainder of the game, giving up four runs, one of which was unearned, in three innings. The Bulldogs also had two errors in the contest.
Next up
Mississippi State now faces possible elimination, with a battle between the loser of Thursday’s game between Texas and Tennessee on the horizon. The Bulldogs will return to action on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2.
