Mississippi State Wins Big In Home Opener

Mississippi State (7-5) beat New Mexico State (8-5) by a score of 9-1 in its home opener at the new Dudy Noble Field.

A combination of great pitching and offense was the recipe for success. The Aggies took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but the Diamond Dawgs answered quickly and never looked back.

The Diamond dawgs erased the 1-0 deficit by scoring twice in the bottom of the first inning. Jake Mangum got the first Bulldog hit at the new Dudy Noble. Hunter Stovall and Justin Foscue each singled, which led to the bases being loaded. A ground ball fielder’s choice by Luke Alexander tied the game and a single by Josh Hatcher gave MSU a 2-1 lead.

Mangum singled and scored Rowdey Jordan in the second inning to give the Diamond Dawgs a 3-1 lead.

The Diamond Dawgs scored another run in the fifth inning, two in the sixth and three in the seventh to total nine impressive runs in the home-opener.

MSU’s offense tallied 12 total hits. Mangum led the way with three hits, while Stovall and Hatcher both added two hits.

Cole Marsh (1-0) and Denver McQuary combined for some impressive work on the work.

Marsh was credited with the win after pitching five innings and allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out three batters, and walked one. McQuary earned his second save on the year after pitching four shutout innings. He struck out four batters, and walked two.

Brock Whittlesey was charged with the loss for the Aggies. He allowed four runs, all earned. on seven hits. He struck out six batters, and walked two.

Game two between the Diamond Dawgs and Aggies is set for 6:30 p.m. CT today at Dudy Noble Field.