Pensacola, Florida, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Florida State University and Mississippi State University faced off in a fall exhibition doubleheader at Blue Wahoos Stadium, with both teams achieving a victory. Mississippi State won the first game 4-1, propelled by a two-run double from James Nunnallee. Florida State rebounded in the second game, winning 5-2 thanks to a sixth-inning single from Kelvyn Paulino Jr. The event drew a sellout crowd and showcased talent for MLB scouts.
Pensacola, Florida – Florida State University (FSU) and Mississippi State University played a fall exhibition doubleheader on October 18, 2025, at Blue Wahoos Stadium, splitting the games with Mississippi State winning the first 4-1 and Florida State taking the second 5-2.
The first game was a seven-inning contest where Mississippi State took control early. In the second inning, James Nunnallee hit a two-run double, giving the Bulldogs a decisive lead. The Bulldogs scored their first run in the first inning and added runs in the second, fifth, and sixth innings. The only run for Florida State came in the seventh inning from a single by Noah Sheffield.
FSU’s starting pitcher for the first game was Bryson Moore, who faced a combined effort from Mississippi State’s pitching staff, with Tyler Pitzer earning a save after a game-ending double play.
The second game saw a turnaround for Florida State, winning 5-2. Kelvyn Paulino Jr. delivered a run-scoring single in the sixth inning to bring FSU ahead. Freshman Manny Lantigua provided key relief, successfully sealing the win for Florida State. Notably, the Bulldogs loaded the bases in the seventh inning of the second game but were stopped by Lantigua, who struck out the designated hitter to conclude the match.
The event marked the unofficial debut of new Mississippi State head coach Brian O’Connor and attracted a sellout crowd of 5,038 attendees, featuring representatives from 18 Major League Baseball teams and 28 professional scouts. FSU head coach Link Jarrett highlighted the significance of performing well in front of MLB scouts, even though the games do not count toward the official records.
This matchup was a rematch of the previous encounter between the teams in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional four months earlier, which Florida State won. Both games were played under challenging windy conditions, with winds blowing at 20 to 25 mph off Pensacola Bay. FSU’s Eli Putman hit the only home run of the day during the first game.
Florida State will be looking to build on their performance as they prepare for their next fall game against Alabama-Birmingham on October 25 in Tallahassee.
Summary of Fall Exhibition Doubleheader Results
| Game | Winner | Score | Notable Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Mississippi State | 4-1 | James Nunnallee’s two-run double |
| Game 2 | Florida State | 5-2 | Kelvyn Paulino Jr.’s run-scoring single |
Important Details
- First Game Highlights:
- Mississippi State scored in the first, second, fifth, and sixth innings.
- Noah Sheffield secured the only run for Florida State in the seventh inning.
- Bryson Moore was the starting pitcher for Florida State.
- Tyler Pitzer earned the save for Mississippi State.
- Second Game Highlights:
- Florida State took the lead in the sixth inning.
- Manny Lantigua provided relief and sealed the victory.
- Mississippi State led the bases in the seventh but failed to score.
- Attendance and Scouting:
- The event had a sellout crowd of 5,038 attendees.
- There was representation from 18 Major League Baseball teams and 28 professional scouts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida State and Mississippi State Clash in Fall Baseball Exhibition
Mississippi State Baseball Welcomes New Shortstop Commitment
Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for New Season
Mississippi State to Play Florida State in Exhibition Game
Mississippi State Baseball to Face Florida State in Exhibition
Mississippi State Baseball Players Invited to National Camp
Florida State Baseball Advances to Super Regionals
Mississippi State Bulldogs Eliminated by Florida State Seminoles
Additional Resources
- FSU Opens Fall Ball vs Mississippi State
- PNJ: FSU & Mississippi State Baseball Scrimmage
- MSU to Play Florida State in Pensacola Exhibition
- Wikipedia: College Baseball
- Google Search: FSU Baseball
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