News Summary
Mississippi State baseball achieved a significant milestone by completing a three-game sweep of Kentucky with a 6-1 win at Dudy Noble Field. This victory marked the Bulldogs’ first sweep under interim coach Justin Parker, improving their overall record to 29-19. The series showcased strong performances from the pitching staff and key players like catcher Joe Powell, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Meanwhile, Kentucky struggles continued as they fell to a record of 25-20, suffering their eighth consecutive loss.
Starkville, Mississippi
Mississippi State baseball completed a three-game sweep of Kentucky with a decisive victory of 6-1 at Dudy Noble Field on May 4, 2025. This weekend marked a significant achievement for the Bulldogs as it was their first sweep under interim coach Justin Parker, following a turbulent period for the team.
With this victory, Mississippi State improved its overall record to 29-19, while also holding a 10-14 record in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Kentucky, in contrast, fell to a record of 25-20 overall, also standing at 10-14 in SEC play. The Wildcats suffered their eighth consecutive loss at Dudy Noble Field and have only managed one win in their last 13 games.
Game Highlights
In the series finale, Mississippi State managed to secure the win by scoring two runs in the third inning and three runs in the sixth inning. Catcher Joe Powell played a crucial role in the victory, contributing a bases-loaded single that brought in two runs. He also delivered a walk-off single in the second game of the series, underlining his importance in the lineup.
The first match of the series on May 3 showcased the Bulldogs’ domination over the Wildcats, resulting in a run-rule victory of 14-4. Game 2 proved to be a nail-biter, with Mississippi State narrowly winning 6-5 after extra innings. The contest began later than expected due to thunderstorms, starting at 3 p.m. instead of the scheduled time.
Pitching and Defense
Karson Ligon served as the starting pitcher in the series finale, allowing only one run over three innings of play. The bullpen also excelled, with relief pitchers Ben Davis, Dane Burns, and Luke Dotson contributing to a shutout of Kentucky during the later innings. Defensively, Michael O’Brien made a remarkable play in the ninth inning, robbing a potential home run to preserve the lead for Mississippi State.
Kentucky’s Struggles
The series highlighted Kentucky’s struggles, particularly with runners in scoring position, consistently missing opportunities to capitalize. Notably, Carson Hansen hit a drive that resulted in a triple but was left stranded on third base. James McCoy also faced disappointment when his potential two-run home run was caught by Mississippi State’s centerfielder Bryce Chance.
Looking Ahead
With their final series of the regular season now complete, Kentucky baseball will enter a short break for final exams before facing Oklahoma in their next series. Meanwhile, Mississippi State will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
The series against Kentucky was available for fans to watch through SEC Network+ and ESPN+, making it accessible to a broader audience.
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