Mississippi State Bounces Back With 8-4 Win Over Alcorn State

STARKVILLE, Miss — The No. 4 Mississippi State baseball team bounced back with an 8-4 win over Alcorn State Wednesday evening at Dudy Noble Field.

The Bulldogs (6-2) scored a run in the first inning, a run in the second inning, two in the third inning, one in the fourth inning and three in the fifth inning. The Braves scored one run in the second inning and three in the fifth inning.

After a strikeout began the bottom of the first, junior Jordan Westburg drew a walk. He then moved up a base on a wild pitch before moving to third on a single by junior Tanner Allen. Westburg then crossed home on a fielder’s choice.

The Braves tied the game in the second inning when redshirt senior Hunter Wilson homered to right field. However, the Bulldogs used a home run by sophomore Brad Cumbest to regain a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second.

In the bottom of the third, Westburg led off with a single. Allen then drew a walk before junior Justin Foscue singled up the middle to load the bases. Sophomore Luke Hancock came though with a two-RBI single to give MSU a 4-1 lead.

An RBI double by Allen extended the Bulldog lead to 5-1 after four innings of play.

Alcorn State began the fifth inning with back-to-back singles from junior Jamey Fabre and sophomore Jaden Smith. A walk then loaded the bases before two runs scored on a single from sophomore Tristin Garcia. Sophomore Tyler Daniels then homered to make it a 5-4 ballgame.

In the bottom of the seventh, freshman Logan Tanner reached first on an error. A sacrifice bunt moved him to second before he moved to third on a wild pitch. Jordan’s single through the right scored him to make it 6-4. Then, Westburg hit a two-run home run to make it 8-4.

As a team, the Bulldogs outhit the Braves 12-6. Westburg, Allen, Foscue and Tanner each recorded two hits apiece. Westburg and Hancock each recorded two RBIs in the game.

Junior southpaw Houston Harding got the start on the mound and tossed four innings where he allowed four runs on four hits. He fanned seven batters and walked three.

Junior right-hander Chase Patrick (2-0) was credited with the win after striking out five in two hitless innings.

Redshirt sophomore George Osborne III (0-1) was charged with the Alcorn State loss. He worked three innings where he allowed four runs on five hits. He struck out two batters and walked three.

MSU will now travel to Long Beach, California, for a three-game series against Long Beach State. First pitch on Friday is set for 8 p.m. CT.