Mississippi State Opens the Season With an 11-2 Victory against VMI

The Bulldogs begin their series against VMI with an incredible season-opening win.

The Mississippi State baseball season started off with a win Friday an Dudy Noble Field. The top of the 1st inning finished with no hits, no runs, and an opportunity for the Bulldogs to be the first to add something to the leaderboard.

At the bottom  of the first, Amani Larry (2B) ran straight to second base with a double. The next up to bat, Slate Alford (3B) sent the ball inches from a home run, but unfortunately, it's caught. The Bulldogs end the inning with a single run putting them in the lead.

Top of the second, VMI continues to keep their score at 0. They do get a good hit, but no runs.

Mississippi State catcher Luke Hancock rounded out the inning for the Bulldogs with another double and, later, scores a run leaving Amani Larry on first. Larry then swiftly stole second base before the inning ended with the bases loaded.

Top of third inning, Mississippi State quickly reacted to VMI trying to steal a base and gets a batter out. The Inning ends with no hits and no runs.

Bottom of the third inning, Slate Alford hits a beautiful line drive putting him on first base then later on scores another run for the team. Bryce Chance (DH) hits another double and the inning ends VMI catches Lane Forsythe's ball.

Top of the 4th and VMI gets their first double play. They don't score hits or runs and finish the inning with players left on bases.

Bottom of the fourth and Larry's hit sent the ball straight to third base, however, Larry was fast enough to get to first base before the ball finds its way to VMI's first baseman. There were no hits or runs for Mississippi State this inning, but they still keep the lead.

Sophomore Graham Yntama entered to pitch in the fifth, followed up bro two VMI runs to make the score 3-2.

Right fielder Kellum Clark ran to first base, then scored a double, leaving him on third at the bottom of the fifth. Afterward, Bryce Chance drove the ball across the field and gave Clark the opportunity to score again.

At the top of the 6th, the bases loaded before any of the VMI batters were out. Nate Dohm ended it out as the pitcher and the Bulldogs made a beautiful double-play to finish the inning.

At the top of the 7th, the ball made its way to the catcher, then straight down the middle to second base for an incredible double play to switch the inning with no hits and no runs.

The scoring continued by the top of the ninth inning, MSU held a firm 11-2 lead.

A win like this sets an incredible precedent for how Mississippi State will play this season. With strong freshmen and successful execution demonstrated, it's no question that the Bulldogs will fight hard to put their name on top.