Denson Goes Distance In 6-0 Shutout Of No. 24 Bulldogs
March 24, 2004 | Baseball
Official Game Statistics
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STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Senior right-hander Joe Denson (1-1) threw a three-hit shutout Wednesday night as Samford (4-14) defeated No. 24 Mississippi State 6-0 before 1,077 fans at Dudy Noble Field. It was the second loss in as many nights to a former Bulldog assistant coach. Samford is coached by former MSU football/baseball letterman and MSU assistant Tim Parenton while former MSU assistant Brian Shoop led Birmingham-Southern to a 10-1 win Tuesday night.
"We had a very good night," Parenton said. "I'm proud of Joe. He is one of our team leaders and does everything that we ask of him. Tonight, he kept the ball low and pitched with a lot of confidence."
A three-run home run by Samford's Richard Bishop was the big blow in the contest. Bishop's team-leading fourth home run of the season came in the sixth inning and provided ample insurance for Denson. Samford plated three runs off MSU starter Josh Johnson (2-1) in the third inning.
Denson sparkled in his second career start, striking out three and walking four.
Johnson worked the first six innings, giving up all six runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
"We had a tough night," MSU coach Ron Polk said. "The players are playing hard but we are having a difficult time putting things together."
Steve Gendron had two singles for the Bulldogs. For the MSU shortstop, it was his 11th multi-hit game and also ran his hit streak to 10 games. An eighth inning single by Jeffrey Rea was the only other hit for State.
Samford managed eight hits by seven different players. Rice was the squad's lone multiple hitter with a pair of singles.
The visiting Bulldogs threw a shutout for the first time this season and also avenged a last-inning 5-4 loss to State last season.
MSU travels to Baton Rouge, La. for a weekend Southeastern Conference series with top-ranked LSU (19-3, 2-1 SEC). The series opener is 6:30 p.m. Friday at Alex Box Stadium.
SAMFORD 6, MISSISSIPPI STATE 0
Samford (4-14) 003 003 000 - 6 8 1 MSU (13-6) 000 000 000 - 0 3 0
WP-Denson (1-1). LP-Johnson (2-1). 2B-Collins. T-2:03. A-1,077 (6034 paid).
