Due to a soggy Saturday, the Mississippi State baseball team was forced to play to games yesterday starting at 1:30.
Game 1
Washington State got to MSU ace Nick Routt early, tagging the Junior for 3 runs in the first 2 innings. Routt was pulled in the 3rd for follow ace Evan Mitchell, who calmed the storm and pitched a solid 4.1 innings of relief, giving up just 2 hits and 1 run while striking out 8. The trio of pitchers that finished out the contest were solid as well, paced by Bulldog closer Caleb Reed who pitched an outstanding 6.1 innings of relief, tallying a career-high 9 strikeouts. But the 19 strikeouts from Bulldog pitching proved not to be enough as the State offense left 16 men on base and couldn't overcome a 2 run single by Wazzou in the 13th, losing 6-5.
Game 1 Stats of Note:
Pitching:
Caleb Reed - 6.1ip / 3h / 2r / 2er / 2bb / 9so / 21ab / 24bf / 95np
Hitting:
Trey Porter (DH) - 3 for 4 / 2r / 2rbi / 1HR
Game 1 Video Highlights:
Game 2
Game 2 went much like the first, as the Cougars and Bulldogs see sawed back and forth exchanging leads. Heading into the bottom of the 8th inning State trailed 4-2 again, but an Adam Frazier walk opened the door. Brent Brownlee followed with a double, and a sac fly by the star of the day Trey Porter made it a 4-3 game. C Mitch Slauter followed with an RBI double to tie the game at 4, and So. CF CT Bradford's single and error on the fielder brought home what would prove to be the winning run in a 5-4 victory for State. On the pitching side of things it was Kendall Graveman who toted the load for State, going 6.1 innings while only giving up 3 hits. So. OF/RHP Taylor Stark came in to close out the 8th and finished up the 9th, registering his 1st win on the season.
Game 2 Stats of Note:
Pitching:
Kendall Graveman - 6.1ip / 3h / 2r / 2er / 1bb / 4so / 21ab / 25bf / 83np
Hitting:
Mitch Slauter (C) - 1 for 3 / 1RBI / 1 2B / 1BB
Game 2 Video Highlights
Overall Weekend
After the day was complete and State finished opening weekend 2-1, it was DH Trey Porter who stood tallest for the Bulldogs. The walk-on turned starter from MGCCC finished the weekend 6-10 with 2HR's, pacing the Bulldog offense.
The pitching staff performed as was expected, with alot of talented arms seeing the field and overall performing fairly well. As the season progresses I think you'll see better outings out of Routt and Bracewell. Stratton was fantastic, as was Caleb Reed. It was nice as well to see Taylor Stark come in to close the door in game 3 to get the win and give the Bulldogs the opening weekend series win.
The diamond dogs will continue play this upcoming Friday as they take on Kansas.