STARKVILLE, Miss. — Playing in front of a packed crowd of 11,632 fans at Dudy Noble Field under 72-degree cloudy skies with a light northeast breeze, Mississippi State decisively defeated Delaware 9-2 on Friday.
Pitching Highlights Sophomore right-hander Ryan McPherson (1-0) anchored the mound, overpowering the Blue Hens by striking out 11 batters over 6.0 innings while allowing just one earned run on four hits. The Bulldog bullpen was absolutely flawless in relief. Redshirt freshman Jack Gleason and true freshman Maddox Miller combined for three perfect innings, retiring all nine batters they faced and striking out five to slam the door on Delaware.
Scoring Highlights After Delaware scratched across an unearned run in the top of the first inning, the Diamond Dawgs immediately responded with a three-run bottom half. Second baseman Gehrig Frei tied the game with an RBI double down the first-base line, and shortstop Ryder Woodson followed shortly after with a two-run single to left field.
Third baseman Ace Reese paced the relentless 16-hit Mississippi State offensive attack, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Left fielder Bryce Chance reached base in every plate appearance, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI single, and a hit-by-pitch. Catcher Andrew Raymond and center fielder Aidan Teel also drove in runs as the Bulldogs continuously extended their lead throughout the middle innings.
Game 2 of the weekend series is scheduled for 1 PM CT tomorrow at Dudy Noble Field.
