Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Ole Miss Defeats Mississippi State 6-4 in SEC Showdown

Baseball players in action during Ole Miss vs Mississippi State game

News Summary

In a significant SEC matchup, Ole Miss ended Mississippi State’s winning streak with a 6-4 victory. The game saw key performances, including a two-run homer from Mackenzie Pickens and a stellar pitching effort from Ole Miss’s Miali Guachino. Despite a strong start from Mississippi State with an early home run, Ole Miss took control of the game and prevented the Bulldogs from completing a series sweep. This loss leaves Mississippi State poised for the SEC Tournament as they look to sharpen their skills heading into postseason play.

Oxford, Mississippi – Ole Miss Ends Mississippi State’s Winning Streak with a 6-4 Victory

In a crucial Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown, Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 6-4, preventing the Bulldogs from completing a series sweep during their regular-season finale. The victory halted Mississippi State’s attempt to clinch all three games in the series, a challenging feat in the SEC, as noted by head coach Samantha Ricketts.

The Bulldogs initially claimed the lead in the first inning when Sierra Sacco launched her 11th home run of the season. Jessie Blaine contributed to the scoring with an RBI single, setting the tone for Mississippi State early in the game. Senor Day provided a double highlight for both players, as they secured two hits each during this significant matchup.

Raelin Chaffin, a usually reliable pitcher for Mississippi State, faced challenges on the mound, struggling to find her rhythm. In just three innings of work, she allowed four earned runs, contributing to a disappointing outing that forced her exit after 87 pitches. In the second inning, Chaffin’s performance deteriorated as she walked three batters and hit another, leading to a pair of sacrifice flies that allowed Ole Miss to even the score.

With the game tied, Ole Miss took control in the third inning. Mackenzie Pickens hit a two-run homer, giving the Rebels a commanding lead. Following Chaffin’s exit, relief pitcher Delainey Everett stepped onto the mound for Mississippi State. While she initially gave up a leadoff single, Everett subsequently allowed a two-run home run from Aliyah Binford. This increased Ole Miss’s lead to four runs, putting substantial pressure on the Bulldogs.

Although Ole Miss’s offense was limited to just one hit in the final three innings, they managed to maintain their lead. Mississippi State attempted a comeback, scoring one run in the fourth inning and another on a sacrifice fly by Sacco. Freshman Miali Guachino, representing Ole Miss, showcased her skills on the mound by retiring eight batters consecutively before surrendering an infield single to Sacco in the seventh inning. However, the game concluded when Barbary hit a line drive that resulted in a double play, sealing the victory for the Rebels.

With the defeat, Mississippi State finished the regular season with an overall record of 37-16, including a 13-11 mark in SEC play. As they move into the postseason, the Bulldogs have secured the No. 8 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament. They will face the No. 9 seed, LSU, in the second round of the tournament. If they prevail in that matchup, Mississippi State will advance to play against top-seeded Oklahoma in the quarterfinals.

Coach Ricketts expressed optimism regarding the upcoming SEC Tournament, highlighting its importance as a preparation step toward potential participation in the World Series. The tournament presents a critical opportunity for the Bulldogs to showcase their skills and refine their game as they aim for postseason success.