Skip to main content
Cowbell Corner

Mississippi State’s Missed Chances Prove Costly in Loss to Tennessee

Mississippi State left multiple scoring chances on the table in a 6-5 loss to Tennessee, wasting a big night from Reed Stallman.
Taylor Hodges|
Mississippi State's Tyler Pitzer throws a pitch during a SEC game against Tennessee at Dudy Noble Field.
Mississippi State's Tyler Pitzer throws a pitch during a SEC game against Tennessee at Dudy Noble Field. | Mississippi State Athletics

No. 9 Mississippi State had opportunities Friday night.

That’s what makes the 6‑5 loss to Tennessee feel more disheartening than anything else. The Bulldogs were in position to take control of the series opener, matched the Vols’ early scoring, and twice pulled themselves back into the game.

They just needed to many game-changing moments in the ninth inning to swing the game.

The eighth inning was the difference.

Mississippi State entered the frame tied 3‑3 and had navigated traffic well enough to stay even. But a leadoff single and walk necessitated a pitching change and Jack Bauer hit the first batter he saw with a pitch.

The Vols didn’t waste the bases-loaded opportunity.

A fielder’s choice brought in the go‑ahead run, an infield hit added another, and a third run came home on a single to third. Suddenly it was 6‑3, and the Bulldogs were playing from behind again. That’s where they stayed the rest of the game.

Sure, they made a push. Noah Sullivan’s RBI single in the eighth cut the deficit to two. It was Reed Stallman’s second home run of the night in the ninth cutting it to a one‑run game. But that was where Mississippi State’s comeback ended.

That’s the theme of the night: missed chances.

Mississippi State had runners on base in the first, fourth, and eighth innings with opportunities to build innings and couldn’t extend them. Tennessee, meanwhile, capitalized on its biggest opening of the night.

Pitching Decisions

  • WP: Cam Appenzeller (5-0), 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 1 WP, 78 TP
  • LP: Tyler Pitzer (0-2), 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 15 TP

Mississippi State Batting Leaders

  • Aidan Teel: 2-5, 1 R
  • Ace Reese, 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B
  • Noah Sullivan: 2-4, 1 RBI
  • Reed Stallman: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR

Next Up

The Bulldogs will get a chance to even the weekend series Saturday at Dudy Noble Field. First-pitch is set for 6 p.m. on SECN+. Here’s who the Volunteers and Bulldogs will be sending out to start game two of the series:

Tennessee: RHP Tegan Kuhns

Kuhns: 1-3, 3.89 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 39.1 IP, 38 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 8 BB, 47 SO, .247 Opp. BA

Mississippi State: RHP Duke Stone

Stone: 5-0, 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 36 IP, 30 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 15 BB, 55 SO, .221 Opp. BA

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

Home/Baseball