The Bulldogs' Offensive Struggles Continue Against Austin Peay

It was another long night for the MSU offense.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs drop game one of their mid-week tilt with Austin Peay. The MSU pitching staff pitched well again by only allowing three runs, striking out 12, and walking zero, but the MSU bats went cold again.

Mississippi State head coach Chris Lemonis spoke on the offense not performing well despite an excellent night on the mound.

"Yeah, it is frustrating, " Lemonis said. 

It started early for the Bulldogs as the Austin Peay starter Lyle Green-Miller stayed under barrels all night, going five innings and only striking out three. MSU finished the game with only four hits, their lowest season mark, and zero extra-base hits.

MSU also struggled with situational offense, which was a struggle a season ago for the Bulldogs. This problem was magnified in the sixth inning as the Bulldogs finally got to the Governors starter, as he exited the game with a runner on second and third with no outs and a run already home for MSU.

However, the Bulldogs did not take advantage of this opportunity, as after a Ross Highfill sacrifice fly to bring home the second run, the Bulldogs struck out and grounded out to end the inning. 

It is early in the season, but there is still room for concern for the Bulldog offense. The Bulldogs do have SEC veterans in this lineup, including two All-SEC type players, Dakota Jordan, and Hunter Hines, who was expected to carry a heavy load for this team, but tonight, the pair combined for a hit with two strikeouts.

"Concerned, obviously; I mean, we have a lot of good hitters who played in this league and play good," Lemonis said. 

Mississippi State is quickly running out of momentum, and two early losses will not be suitable for the Bulldogs, considering their relatively weak non-conference schedule. If MSU wants to be in postseason play in June, they will need to tighten up because a few more losses in non-conference play will sink their chances. 

The Bulldogs will be back in action tomorrow for game two against Austin Peay at four p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

Mississippi State Baseball Drops a 3-2 Decision to Austin Peay