Ole Miss Baseball Drops Game One of Rivalry Series, 8-0, to State

OXFORD, Miss. – (Release) Ole Miss and Mississippi State got their three-game series underway at Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field Friday night, and it was the Bulldogs who came out on top 8-0.

Ole Miss starter Riley Maddox had an excellent five innings and gave his team a chance. But the Rebels could muster no offense through five, and in the sixth inning things turned the Bulldogs’ way.

MSU was able to score just a run in the top of the fifth inning as the result of a throwing error. Bryce Chance reached when he hit the ball toward third base, but Andrew Fischer threw high to first baseman Jackson Ross, which allowed Chance to reach and advance to second. Chance stood at third base after a sac bunt by Aaron Downs. Logan Kohler grounded out to second and Chance came home to score.

But the top of the sixth was a difficult one for the Rebels as MSU plated seven runs to lead by eight. Maddox pitched into the sixth with one out before exiting the game. After a David Mershon single, Dakota Jordan homered to deep center field for a 3-0 MSU lead. Maddox was relieved by Austin Simmons after another run came in. Simmons faced two Bulldog batters and was relieved by Mitch Murrell. When the top of the sixth ended, Mississippi State not only had the momentum but a large lead.

Ole Miss, with three hits, managed only five baserunners all night, and none reached third base. MSU starter Khal Stephen went eight complete, allowing three hits with nine strikeouts and no walks. Reliever Tyson Hardin pitched the ninth for State with two strikeouts.

Gunnar Dennis was the last of four pitchers for Ole Miss. He went 2.1 innings.

The win went to Stephen of State, who is now 5-2, while the Rebs’ Maddox fell to 2-4 with the loss.

Ole Miss is now 18-16 overall and 3-10 in the Southeastern Conference, while Mississippi State improved to 22-12 and 7-6.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at 7:30 p.m., a game that will be televised live on ESPN2.