No. 16 MSU Welcomes Mississippi Valley State to Dudy Noble Field
March 21, 2016 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – No. 16 Mississippi State baseball (14-6-1) is back in action Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. matchup with Mississippi Valley State (4-13) at Dudy Noble Field. Freshman southpaw Konnor Pilkington (0-0, 1.29 ERA) will start for MSU against MVSU starting right-hander Cecil Hodges (1-4, 9.82 ERA).
The Bulldogs return home fresh off of their first series victory at No. 4 Vanderbilt since 2002. Over a nine-day stretch spanning from March 11-20, the Diamond Dawgs have amassed a 5-1 record against Top-10 competition. The Maroon and White knocked off the Commodores in a pair of one-run games at Hawkins Field Friday and Saturday before dropping the series finale Sunday (2-1, 5-4, 6-12).
The Delta Devils are coming off a three-game sweep at at Alabama State (2-27, 0-3, 3-11).
The Diamond Dawgs are a perfect 24-0 all-time against MVSU, with the last meeting happening in 2013 at Dudy Noble Field. The Maroon and White won 14-2 with current MSU leadoff hitter Jacob Robson going 1 for 3 with a pair of walks.
For more information on head coach John Cohen's ballclub, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for “HailStateBB.” You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for “HailStateSnap.”
Need To Know
· In the latest rankings released Monday, MSU was voted 16th in the Coaches Poll, 10th by Baseball America, 11th by Collegiate Baseball, 13th by Perfect Game, 14th by the NCBWA and 15th by D1 Baseball.
· As of March 21, Mississippi State's offense ranks fifth in the country in doubles (51, T-1st in SEC), 19th in hits (222, 5th in SEC), 20th in walks (103, 3rd in SEC), and 26th in on-base percentage (.404, T-4th in SEC)
· The Bulldog's pitching staff is sixth in the NCAA in strikeouts per nine innings (9.99, 4th in SEC)
· Individually, junior captain Jacob Robson is ninth in the NCAA with 21 walks (T-2nd in SEC)
· Junior designated hitter Jack Kruger is 12th in the NCAA with 10 doubles (2nd in SEC)
· Junior RHP Dakota Hudson is 20th in the NCAA with 40 strikeouts (4th in SEC). The preseason All-American as also the only player to rank in the top six in the SEC in earned run average (1.38), innings pitched (32.2), opposing batting average (.172) and strikeouts.
· After hitting .243 with two outs in 2015, the Bulldogs are terrorizing opposing pitching with a .323 batting average (T-1st in SEC) with two down this season.
Tuesday's Forecast (March 22) – High 70, Low 49 – Sunny (0%)
Live Video and Television
Tuesday's game will be available on SEC Network + via the WatchESPN app.
Live Audio and Radio
Tuesday's game will be available locally on WKBB 100.9 FM. The contest will also be audio streamed live online at HailState.com/Plus (requires subscription).
Tickets
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at HailState.com/tickets or at the MSU ticket office behind home plate, which opens two hours before first pitch every game.
Promotions
For all midweek games this season, general admission tickets will be sold for $2. Hot dogs will also be available for $2 at concessions. Fans can also visit HailState.com/memories for incredible fan experiences.
