James blasts first home run of the season, pitching staff holds JSU to just two hits
STARKVILLE – The No. 5 Mississippi State baseball program opened the home portion of its schedule with a 7-3 victory over Jackson State on Wednesday (Feb. 24) at Dudy Noble Field. Seven Bulldog pitchers combined to two-hit the Tigers, while the MSU offense pounded out 10 hits in the victory.
Kamren James opened the scoring with his second career home run, a two-run shot in the first inning. Drew McGowan and Landon Jordan added RBIs in the contest and a double steal accounted for the fifth run of the game. A pair of eighth innings runs capped the scoring for State.
A 4-for-5 night at the plate for James highlighted the offense’s 10 hits, as he produced five of the team’s seven runs – three RBIs and two runs scored. Tanner Allen reached base four times and scored three runs with a 2-for-3 night at the plate to go along with a walk and hit-by-pitch.
Seven Mississippi State pitchers combined to two-hit the Tigers and walk just one batter. Sophomore Brandon Smith (1-0) picked up the victory with two innings pitching in his first start since May 22, 2019 versus LSU at the SEC Tournament. Freshman Davis Rokose fired two clean innings with four strikeouts.
Relievers Chase Patrick (2/3 inning) and Xavier Lovett (one inning) also recorded scoreless outings, and Mikey Tepper made his collegiate debut and allowed one unearned run in 1 1/3 innings of work.
Quotable
Head Coach Chris Lemonis
On the pitching staff versus Jackson State
“We are still running some of our young guys out there and, maybe other than Brandon Smith, some of them are going out there for the first time. We are trying to get them out there and get them comfortable. Some of it was a little sloppy, but Davis Rokose and Brandon Smith were really good. Everybody else can pitch a little better and be a little cleaner, especially defensively on the mound.”
On Brandon Smith
“He is just efficient. He pitches in the zone, throws his breaking ball for a strike and he makes you have to beat him. He doesn’t beat himself and may that is because he is a veteran and has been around for a while. It was also nice to see him have some good velocity tonight after pitching this weekend. For him to be able to come back [after a few days rest] was really good to see.”
Scoring Recap
Bottom First
With two outs, Tanner Allen doubled to left center and Kamren James followed with a homerun to bring in the first two runs of the game.
Mississippi State 2, Jackson State 0
Bottom Second
Landon Jordan doubled down the left field line to start the inning, advancing to third on Kellum Clark’s ground out. Drew McGowan singled with one out and advanced to second on a fielding error by center fielder, which allowed Landon Jordan to score and give MSU a 3-0 lead.
Mississippi State 3, Jackson State 0
Bottom Fifth
Another two-run inning started with Allen, as he was hit by a pitch, James immediately followed with a double down the right field line, advancing Allen to third. With two outs, Landon Jordan singled, advancing James to third, and bringing Allen home for a 4-0 lead. On the next play, James stole home.
Mississippi State 5, Jackson State 0
Top Sixth
A walk and two errors led to the first run of the game for JSU against MSU’s Mikey Tepper. The first Tiger run of the game was unearned.
Mississippi State 5, Jackson State 1
Top Seventh
Jackson State’s Chenar Brown began the inning with a hit-by-pitch, advancing his way to second and third on two wild pitches. With no outs, Brown scored on Marshal Luiz’s ground out to third base.
Mississippi State 5, Jackson State 2
Bottom Eighth
Josh Hatcher and Allen were each walked, with Hatcher stealing second during Allen’s at-bat. Hatcher scored and Allen advanced to third on James single before the final run crossed on a double play groundout.
Mississippi State 7, Jackson State 2
Top Ninth
In the final inning, Jackson State’s Chandler Dillard singled to the pitcher, advancing to second on a throwing error and to third on a wild pitch. Dillard scored on Chevy Dorris’ ground out to cap the scoring in the game.
Mississippi State 7, Jackson State 3
Up Next
Mississippi State host Tulane in a three-game series starting on Friday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. The series will continue at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28.