Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Mississippi State Dominates Rice with 14-3 Victory

Mississippi State Bulldogs playing against Rice Owls in a college baseball match

News Summary

In an impressive display of skill, the Mississippi State Bulldogs triumphed over the Rice Owls with a resounding 14-3 win at the Astros Foundation College Classic. The game was highlighted by a remarkable seventh inning, where the Bulldogs scored eight runs, including three home runs. Despite trying to rally, the Owls fell short in their efforts. Pitcher Pico Kohn’s exceptional performance further solidified Mississippi State’s strong position as they improve their record to 7-2, leaving fans excited for future matchups.

Mississippi State Steals the Show in Houston with a 14-3 Win Over Rice

Houston, TX – The excitement of college baseball was palpable at Daikin Park on February 28, 2025, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs clashed with the Rice Owls in the Astros Foundation College Classic. With a thrilling score of 14-3, Mississippi State showcased their prowess, clearly dominating the game from the first inning to the last.

Seventh-Inning Explosion

The seventh inning turned out to be the highlight reel of the contest, as the Bulldogs went on a scoring spree like no other. They scored an astonishing eight runs during this pivotal frame, which was highlighted by a stunning display of power hitting. Mississippi State launched three home runs in this inning alone, making it a moment that Rice’s pitcher and fans would rather forget. Amazing ace Reese hit a magnificent two-run home run that sent a jolt through the stadium and ended the game via the 10-run rule.

Rice’s Fight

Although the Owls faced seemingly insurmountable odds, they didn’t go down without a fight. Hiram Bocachica Jr. managed to crush a two-run homer, giving Rice a glimpse of hope, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. Throughout the match, Rice’s offense had its moments, managing to score runs in the fifth and sixth innings to put pressure on Mississippi State. However, they were unable to maintain the momentum needed to catch up to the Bulldogs.

Bullish Bulldogs

Mississippi State’s hot bats were hardly a one-man show. The team racked up a staggering 16 hits throughout the game, with five players notching multiple runs. As the game unfolded, all eight Bulldogs who batted in the seventh inning reached base, showcasing a collective effort that kept Rice’s defense on its heels.

Pitching Power

On the pitching front, Pico Kohn emerged as a standout performer for Mississippi State. He pitched for 6.5 innings, allowing just four hits and two earned runs while striking out six Rice batters. His performance is a significant reason why the Bulldogs improved their overall record to 7-2.

Challenges for Rice

Despite having several opportunities to score, Rice struggled to put together a consistent offensive attack. Their starter, Davion Hickson, faced challenges of his own, allowing four runs over just a few innings before being replaced in the fifth. The Owls now face a daunting schedule ahead, with upcoming games against rival teams like Tennessee and Texas A&M, where they’ll need to regroup and find their rhythm.

The Road Ahead

This clash at the Astros Foundation College Classic brought together a prestigious lineup of colleges, with Mississippi State standing out among the contenders. Their upcoming matches against Arizona and Oklahoma State promise to be equally thrilling as the Bulldogs strive to maintain their impressive form.

As the dust settles on this enticing matchup, Mississippi State certainly took the victory lap, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. With remarkable teamwork and a powerhouse performance, the Bulldogs demonstrated they are a formidable force to be reckoned with in this year’s baseball season.