Mississippi State wins Pitcher’s Duel Behind Regan Green and Alexis Silkwood

Mississippi State had another stellar pitching performance tonight. The Bulldogs won their season opener in the first game of a double header thanks to timely hitting and a complete game outing by Alexis Silkwood. Though there was less run support in the second game, and thus less margin for error for Regan Green, Green shined in her outing tonight.

With 6 innings of scoreless softball for the sophomore pitcher from Maryland, Green impressed all in attendance tonight. She struck out exactly ¹⁄₃ of the batters she faced, 9 of 27. On top of that, she didn’t walk a single batter.

Green struggled a little bit when it came to the 7th inning, and had two batters on with no outs, but she was able to get some support from Silkwood, who had been warming up in the bullpen. Silkwood came in and made quick work, striking out 2 and getting a groundout to third to end the game when the bases were loaded. Silkwood’s appearance gave her a save, her first of the season, and secured the win for Green.

And though the run support was a bit sparse against Stephen F. Austin, clutch hits in the bottom of the 3rd allowed MSU to get the win. A perfectly executed bunt allowed Ivy to get to first base, and an error gave her second without any issues. Katie Anne Bailey’s walk shortly after put two runners on without any outs. The combination of hits, groundouts, and some wild pitches then brought the two home safely.

Vann Stuedeman’s squad will look to remain undefeated when they face Western Kentucky tomorrow at 12:30. A win over the Hilltoppers will insure that State is the top seed in what will then be a 4 team tournament. If they win, they’ll play again directly after their game against Western Kentucky.