It was the series finale this weekend deserved, as Mississippi State and Ole Miss traded punches for nine innings. The Bulldogs were the one who landed the knockout blow, with a five run sixth inning delivering a 7-5 win over their in-state rivals.
Mississippi's Finest#HailStateš¶ pic.twitter.com/j6MvS6l5xg
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) April 18, 2021
State’s big frame came after Ole Miss took a 4-2 lead in the game following Hayden Leatherwood’s second home run of the game, a shot into right field. Facing the bottom of State’s order, Coach Mike Bianco went to his bullpen, who were unable to get outs. Singles from Logan Tanner, Josh Hatcher, and Brayland Skinner cut the lead to 4-3, then a single into left by Scotty Dubrule tied it. After an infield hit reloaded the bases, Tanner Allen ripped a line drive into center for a three run triple to blow the game open.
The Dude just erupted š„ pic.twitter.com/1KCygtJbP2
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) April 18, 2021
State’s bullpen took over from there, giving up only one unearned run in the final three frames between Parker Stinnett, Brandon Smith, and Landon Sims, the latter pitching twice on the weekend for the first time this season. Sims picked up his fifth save of the year with a scoreless ninth to wrap up the series.
Final out from Starkville, MSU gets the win and the series, 7-5 over Ole Miss. pic.twitter.com/2uaeMQTBjg
— SportsTalk Mississippi (@SportsTalkMiss) April 18, 2021
State improves to 27-8 on the season, 10-5 in the SEC. The Bulldogs have midweek action against UAB on Tuesday night at Dudy Noble Field, then travel to Nashville for conference play and a top three series against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Photo courtesy of Mississippi State athletics
