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Mississippi State Bulldogs Set to Face Texas A&M in SEC Tournament

Bulldogs taking the field in the SEC Tournament

News Summary

The Mississippi State Bulldogs enter the SEC Tournament with a strong momentum, having won nine of their last ten games. They will face the Texas A&M Aggies, who have struggled this season, in the first round matchup. Freshman pitcher Ryan McPherson is set to start for the Bulldogs, highlighting their impressive offensive lineup. Despite Texas A&M’s challenges, this tournament matchup offers both teams a chance for redemption and advancement in the postseason.

Hoover, Alabama – The Mississippi State Bulldogs enter the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament brimming with confidence, having won nine of their last ten games. As the No. 11 seed, the Bulldogs will face the 14th-seeded Texas A&M Aggies on May 19, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting postseason matchup. The game is set to begin at approximately 8 p.m. at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, following the conclusion of the Florida-South Carolina game, which starts at 4:30 p.m. Audiences can catch the action live on SEC Network.

Mississippi State’s impressive run into postseason play includes a strong finish to their regular season, capped by a dominating sweep of Missouri. In that series, the Bulldogs scored a remarkable 50 runs over three games, underscoring their offensive prowess. Freshman pitcher Ryan McPherson is slated to start on the mound for Mississippi State, marking just his second career appearance as a starter. McPherson has been a standout this season, boasting a 4-0 record with two saves, amassing 49 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings pitched while holding opposing hitters to a minuscule .176 batting average.

The Bulldogs’ batting lineup has been a significant factor in their success. They currently hold the second-best team batting average in the SEC at .309 and have also ranked high in several offensive categories, including second in doubles with 119 and fifth in home runs with 97. Notably, the 97 home runs hit this season tie for the highest single-season total in the history of the program, matching the total achieved by the 1998 team. Key players, such as ace Reese, have shone bright, with Reese receiving SEC Player of the Week honors after a stellar series against Missouri, where he recorded 8 hits in 12 at-bats, including three doubles and four home runs.

Hunter Hines, another notable contributor, now holds the all-time career home run record for Mississippi State, reaching 69 home runs after hitting four against Missouri. Overall, Reese leads the Bulldogs this season with an impressive .369 batting average, complemented by 21 home runs, 18 doubles, and 66 RBIs, positioning him among the top hitters in the SEC. Additionally, five regular players are maintaining batting averages of .325 or higher, with four hitting double-digit home runs this season.

On the other hand, Texas A&M enters the tournament with a less favorable record of 28-25 overall and an 11-19 mark in SEC play. The Aggies concluded their regular season with a disappointing series loss to Georgia. In contrast to Mississippi State, Texas A&M has struggled offensively, owning the lowest team batting average in the SEC at .263. Their pitching staff has a slightly higher earned run average (ERA) of 4.43, ranking seventh in the conference, and sophomore righty Weston Moss is set to take the mound against the Bulldogs. Moss showcases a 3.35 ERA over 45 2/3 innings pitched and has struck out 49 batters this season.

This first-round matchup in the SEC Tournament is unique, as it is the only game where the teams have not faced each other during the regular season. Texas A&M’s first-year head coach, Michael Earley, will be looking for a substantial performance to bolster his position after the team struggled in the latter part of the regular season.

The SEC Tournament presents a crucial opportunity for both Mississippi State and Texas A&M to make a statement as they aim for advancement. With Mississippi State riding a wave of momentum and showcasing strong performances, they will seek to continue their winning ways against a reeling Texas A&M eager for redemption.