After dropping two midweek games to Eastern Kentucky and Oral Roberts, Mississippi State rebounded with a 2-1 win over #2 Vanderbilt in 13 innings.
Per the usual for Fridays, Dakota Hudson started on the mound for the Bulldogs, and he did not disappoint. He pitched 9 innings, gave up just one run from four hits and struck out eight. It is, without a doubt, his best outing of the year. For the most part, the bullpen had a good day as well. Blake Smith gave up no hits and struck out two in 1 inning. Kale Breaux struggled, giving up three hits and striking out none in 2/3 innings, but Ryan Rigby was able to get out of the jam he inherited and ultimately close out the game for the Bulldogs, striking out two and giving up no hits in 2 1/3 innings. Long story short, it was a great day on the mound for State.
After scoring a run in the 1st, State couldn't seem to put anything together at the plate. We would be able to get runners on base, but we couldn't get them home to save our lives. Mississippi State ended up stranding 16 runners total in the game. Fortunately for us, we were able to get such a fantastic showing from the pitching staff. It saved our lives. The game ultimately was decided in the 13th by a lucky bounce off the outfield umpire that led to a Luke Alexander double and an RBI single from Cole Gordon.
This win is absolutely huge for Mississippi State. It seemed like all confidence and momentum was lost after the two midweek blunders, but it's looking like we can still hang with, and beat, the best of them.
The Bulldogs improve to 13-5-1 and will continue their series with the Commodores in Nashville at 7:30 on Saturday.