FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Mississippi State bounced back to secure a 7-2 victory over Arkansas on Saturday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium, evening the weekend series.
Scoring Summary Mississippi State struck first in the top of the third inning. After Aidan Teel and Bryce Chance drew walks, Ace Reese launched a three-run home run to left field, making it 3-0.
In the top of the fifth inning, Reese delivered again. Following singles by Chance and Teel, Reese hit a two-run double to right-center field, extending the Mississippi State lead to 5-0. The Bulldogs added another run in the top of the sixth when Kevin Milewski lined an RBI single to left field to score Ryder Woodson. They pushed their final run across in the top of the eighth when Reed Stallman scored after Drew Wyers grounded into a double play.
Arkansas broke up the shutout in the bottom of the eighth inning. Nolan Souza hit an RBI single to left field to bring home TJ Pompey, and Ryder Helfrick followed with an RBI double to left-center field that scored Souza, cutting the deficit to 7-2.
Leading Hitters Ace Reese had a monster performance at the plate for Mississippi State, going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, and five RBIs. Aidan Teel and Bryce Chance each contributed to the offense by scoring two runs apiece. For Arkansas, Ryder Helfrick finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, while TJ Pompey went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored. While the official book does not designate a specific game-winning hit, Reese’s three-run homer in the third inning gave the Bulldogs a lead they would never relinquish.
Pitching Summary Mississippi State starting pitcher Tomas Valincius was dominant on the mound, tossing 7.0 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, walking two, and striking out seven batters. Ben Davis pitched the final 2.0 innings in relief for the Bulldogs, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four.
Arkansas starter Hunter Dietz pitched 4.2 innings, surrendering five earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight. Tate McGuire provided 3.1 innings of relief, allowing two runs on four hits, and Cooper Dossett pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
- Winning Pitcher: Tomas Valincius (4-0)
- Losing Pitcher: Hunter Dietz (2-2)
- Save: None (0 saves)
Game Details The game was played under perfect weather conditions, featuring 72-degree temperatures, sunny skies, and an 11 mph north wind. First pitch was delivered at 1:02 p.m., the game lasted two hours and 38 minutes,. Attendance was 10,790.
Next Game The rubber match of the series is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 4:45 PM.
Team Records:
- Mississippi State: 16-3 Overall, 1-1 SEC
- Arkansas: 13-6 Overall, 1-1 SEC
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