Friday, April 7
Starkville
6:00 PM
Mississippi State
vs
South Carolina
MSU welcomes South Carolina to town for the 2017 edition of Super Bulldog Weekend.
MSU Welcomes South Carolina To Starkville For #SBW17
April 06, 2017 | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – One of the biggest weekends of the year in Starkville has arrived, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs (27-12, 2-7 SEC) will play host to the South Carolina Gamecocks (22-14, 2-9 SEC) for their annual Super Bulldog Weekend showdown.
The weekend begins on Friday, April 7 with a 6 p.m. CT first pitch. Saturday's contest is slated for 12 p.m., as well as the series finale on Sunday. All three contests will be broadcast on the SEC Network +, which fans can access through WatchESPN.com or the ESPN app. Anthony Craven will be on the call for all three broadcasts.
The 2017 edition of Super Bulldog Weekend showcases a number of giveaways for fans that make their way to Nusz Park. Fans in attendance all weekend will have a chance to collect MSU softball emoji magnets, which showcase their favorite players in emoji form.
Fans in attendance on Friday will receive Super Bulldog Weekend t-shirts while supplies last. Saturday will be a whiteout, with fans encouraged to wear white. The first 250 fans will have a chance to grab a white "Vanntastic" shirt before the second game of the series. Sunday will be MSU's Ovarian Cancer Awareness game, as the Bulldogs will wear teal.
Maroon Memories also has a number of opportunities available for fans to upgrade their gameday experiences at Nusz Park. For more information and to purchase these opportunities, fans can go to HailState.com/memories from their iPhone or Android devices.
This weekend will mark the meetings No. 56-58 between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks. State holds the advantage in the series, leading 28-27, while the series is tied 12-12 in Starkville. The two teams last met in Columbia in 2015, with USC taking the series 2-1.
State is looking to keep momentum rolling after a dominating victory on Wednesday against Jackson State. Behind 10 hits and nine strikeouts, MSU run-ruled the Tigers, 14-0, to earn its 27th victory on the year, officially surpassing last year's win total. Sarai Niu led the way with two hits, while Alexis Silkwood picked up her 11th win of the 2017 campaign.
The Bulldogs' success has been heavily fueled by their strong play in the circle. As a staff, MSU sports a 1.49 ERA, which ranks fourth in the SEC and 12th in the NCAA. Silkwood has been the staff's leader, sporting a 1.24 ERA that ranks 12th in the league and 28th nationally. Holly Ward is close behind with a 1.29 ERA (13th SEC, 32nd NCAA).
Cassady Knudsen has also been a stud for the Dogs, shining when it comes to hits allowed and strikeouts. Knudsen is fourth in both the SEC and the NCAA with 2.82 hits allowed per seven innings, while her 9.5 strikeouts per seven frames is fourth in the conference and 19th on the national scale.
Offensively, Reggie Harrison has been MSU's catalyst, leading the squad in batting average (.389), slugging percentage (.611), on-base percentage (.500), hits (42), doubles (10) and is tied for the team lead in home runs with four.
The Bulldogs hit the road after Super Bulldog Weekend, continuing conference play with a weekend in Athens, Ga., against Georgia. The Battle of the Bulldogs will start Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. CT.
Series Schedule Against South Carolina…
Friday, April 7 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (6 p.m. CT)
Saturday, April 8 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (12 p.m. CT)
Sunday, April 9 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (12 p.m. CT)
Last Time Out…
The Bulldogs returned home after a weekend in Baton Rouge to play host to in-state foe, the Jackson State Tigers. MSU earned its eighth shutout and sixth run-rule win of the year with the 14-0 midweek victory.
Wednesday, April 5
Mississippi State def. Jackson State, 14-0 (5) (Recap, Box Score)
Series History…
Against South Carolina
Overall: Mississippi State leads, 28-27
In Starkville: Series tied, 12-12
Last Meeting: South Carolina def. Mississippi State, 9-1 (6) (May 3, 2015 in Columbia)
Current Streak: South Carolina, +1
Leading The Bulldogs…
Batting Average: Reggie Harrison (.389)
Slugging Percentage: Reggie Harrison (.611)
On-Base Percentage: Reggie Harrison (.500)
Runs: Bevia Robinson (26)
Hits: Reggie Harrison (42)
RBI: Olivia Golden (20)
Doubles: Reggie Harrison (10)
Triples: Katie Anne Bailey & Bevia Robinson (2)
Home Runs: Olivia Golden & Reggie Harrison (4)
Stolen Bases: Bevia Robinson (20)
ERA: Alexis Silkwood (1.24)
Opposing Batting Average: Cassady Knudsen (.127)
Innings Pitched: Alexis Silkwood (107.1)
Strikeouts: Alexis Silkwood (78)
MSU In The RPI…
The Bulldogs come in at No. 31 in this week's RPI rankings. So far this year, the Dogs have earned wins against Alabama (No. 7), Texas A&M (No. 9) and Fresno State (No. 33). Nine of State's wins this year have come against Top 100 programs.
Dogs Got That Power…
The Bulldogs have tallied 15 home runs so far through the year, besting the 11 they hit in the first 39 games of the 2016 season. State has put together three multi-home run contests through this season, while only having one all of last year and is just three away from tying last year's season total 18 bombs.
Pitching Staff On Fire…
State's pitching staff has been stellar through 39 games in 2017. The group's 1.49 ERA ranks fourth in the SEC and 12th in the NCAA. Alexis Silkwood (1.24 ERA) stands 12th in the SEC, 28th NCAA, while Holly Ward (1.29 ERA) is 13th in the SEC and 32nd in the nation.
Adding to State's pitching dominance has been Cassady Knudsen's impressive performance from the circle this year. The junior has allowed just 2.82 hits per seven innings, good for fourth in both the SEC and the NCAA. Her 9.5 strikeouts per seven frames stands fourth in the league and 19th nationally.
Silk Rewriting The Record Books…
Senior lefty Alexis Silkwood has been putting her name all throughout the MSU record books since she arrived on campus in 2014. Now in her final year, she has already crowned herself the new MSU K Queen, became the first pitcher in Bulldog history to record over 500 strikeouts and 600.0 innings pitched and is poised to take over several other categories...
- 1st in strikeouts (525)
- 1st in complete games (47)
- 1st in innings pitched (613.2)
- T-1st in wins (55)
- 2nd in starts (88)
- 2nd in appearances (132)
- T-3rd in shutouts (13)
- T-3rd in saves (8)
Late Innings, Our Innings…
Under the leadership of head coach Vann Stuedeman, State has been a force in the late innings and nothing is more evident of that than the 70 comeback wins the Bulldogs have amassed in her tenure. MSU tallied 10 in 2016, including an early-season comeback against No. 23 South Alabama and another against No. 11 LSU at home.
State has 10 come-from-behind victories so far in 2017, including walk-off victories against Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 11, Samford on March 4 and Louisiana Tech on March 24. Most recently, the Dogs rallied from two down against Southern Miss on March 28, scoring three in the seventh to take the lead and the win.
The Dogs are also 19-0 when leading after five and 16-0 when leading after six frames. In games tied after five and six innings, State is 2-1.
Weather…
Friday's Forecast (April 7) – Sunny, 66 Degrees (0%)
Saturday's Forecast (April 8) – Sunny, 73 Degrees (10%)
Sunday's Forecast (April 9) – Mostly Sunny, 80 Degrees (10%)
Live Stream…
All three of this weekend's contests will live streamed through the SEC Network +, with Anthony Craven on the call. Fans can access the games through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or clicking the links below.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Friday)
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Saturday)
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Sunday)
Live Stats…
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend. They can be found in the link below.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina Live Stats
Admission…
All matches at Nusz Park this weekend, as well as the entire season, are free admission.
Super Bulldog Weekend Promotions…
Friday, April 7
MSU vs. South Carolina (6:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- Free Super Bulldog Weekend t-shirts
- Free Bulldog Softball emoji magnets
- Recognition of national finalist MSU women's basketball (Seniors will throw out first pitch and will toss t-shirts during the game)
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Kids' Zone
Saturday, April 8
MSU vs. South Carolina (12:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- White Out – Fans wear white (Free t-shirts)
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Kids' Zone
Sunday, April 9
MSU vs. South Carolina (12:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Free pair of concert tickets to the next show at Rick's Café
- "Kids' Day at the Park": Kids' Zone; kids run the bases with the team post-game
- Kids' Zone
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Game
Maroon Memories…
Several exclusive opportunities are available for Bulldog fans of all ages through Maroon Memories. A full list of how to upgrade your Nusz Park experience is below…
First Game/Birthday Buttons
Fans attending their first game and/or celebrating their birthday at Nusz Park will receive a special "1st Gameday" or "Birthday" button.
Junior PA Announcer
A young Bulldog fan will have the opportunity to be the PA announcer during the bottom of the third inning, announcing their favorite Bulldog batters and helping lead the fans at Nusz Park in cheering on the Dogs.
Second Base Delivery
One fan will help deliver second base out onto the field 30 minutes prior to first pitch, helping get the field at Nusz Park set for Bulldog softball.
Videoboard Messages
With this memory, you can broadcast a special message to someone for their birthday, anniversary, or other special occasions on the videoboard for everyone to see.
Up Next…
The Bulldogs hit the road after Super Bulldog Weekend, continuing conference play with a weekend in Athens, Ga., against Georgia. The Battle of the Bulldogs will start Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. CT.
Social Media…
For more on Mississippi State softball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap".
The weekend begins on Friday, April 7 with a 6 p.m. CT first pitch. Saturday's contest is slated for 12 p.m., as well as the series finale on Sunday. All three contests will be broadcast on the SEC Network +, which fans can access through WatchESPN.com or the ESPN app. Anthony Craven will be on the call for all three broadcasts.
The 2017 edition of Super Bulldog Weekend showcases a number of giveaways for fans that make their way to Nusz Park. Fans in attendance all weekend will have a chance to collect MSU softball emoji magnets, which showcase their favorite players in emoji form.
Fans in attendance on Friday will receive Super Bulldog Weekend t-shirts while supplies last. Saturday will be a whiteout, with fans encouraged to wear white. The first 250 fans will have a chance to grab a white "Vanntastic" shirt before the second game of the series. Sunday will be MSU's Ovarian Cancer Awareness game, as the Bulldogs will wear teal.
Maroon Memories also has a number of opportunities available for fans to upgrade their gameday experiences at Nusz Park. For more information and to purchase these opportunities, fans can go to HailState.com/memories from their iPhone or Android devices.
This weekend will mark the meetings No. 56-58 between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks. State holds the advantage in the series, leading 28-27, while the series is tied 12-12 in Starkville. The two teams last met in Columbia in 2015, with USC taking the series 2-1.
State is looking to keep momentum rolling after a dominating victory on Wednesday against Jackson State. Behind 10 hits and nine strikeouts, MSU run-ruled the Tigers, 14-0, to earn its 27th victory on the year, officially surpassing last year's win total. Sarai Niu led the way with two hits, while Alexis Silkwood picked up her 11th win of the 2017 campaign.
The Bulldogs' success has been heavily fueled by their strong play in the circle. As a staff, MSU sports a 1.49 ERA, which ranks fourth in the SEC and 12th in the NCAA. Silkwood has been the staff's leader, sporting a 1.24 ERA that ranks 12th in the league and 28th nationally. Holly Ward is close behind with a 1.29 ERA (13th SEC, 32nd NCAA).
Cassady Knudsen has also been a stud for the Dogs, shining when it comes to hits allowed and strikeouts. Knudsen is fourth in both the SEC and the NCAA with 2.82 hits allowed per seven innings, while her 9.5 strikeouts per seven frames is fourth in the conference and 19th on the national scale.
Offensively, Reggie Harrison has been MSU's catalyst, leading the squad in batting average (.389), slugging percentage (.611), on-base percentage (.500), hits (42), doubles (10) and is tied for the team lead in home runs with four.
The Bulldogs hit the road after Super Bulldog Weekend, continuing conference play with a weekend in Athens, Ga., against Georgia. The Battle of the Bulldogs will start Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. CT.
Series Schedule Against South Carolina…
Friday, April 7 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (6 p.m. CT)
Saturday, April 8 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (12 p.m. CT)
Sunday, April 9 – Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (12 p.m. CT)
Last Time Out…
The Bulldogs returned home after a weekend in Baton Rouge to play host to in-state foe, the Jackson State Tigers. MSU earned its eighth shutout and sixth run-rule win of the year with the 14-0 midweek victory.
Wednesday, April 5
Mississippi State def. Jackson State, 14-0 (5) (Recap, Box Score)
Series History…
Against South Carolina
Overall: Mississippi State leads, 28-27
In Starkville: Series tied, 12-12
Last Meeting: South Carolina def. Mississippi State, 9-1 (6) (May 3, 2015 in Columbia)
Current Streak: South Carolina, +1
Leading The Bulldogs…
Batting Average: Reggie Harrison (.389)
Slugging Percentage: Reggie Harrison (.611)
On-Base Percentage: Reggie Harrison (.500)
Runs: Bevia Robinson (26)
Hits: Reggie Harrison (42)
RBI: Olivia Golden (20)
Doubles: Reggie Harrison (10)
Triples: Katie Anne Bailey & Bevia Robinson (2)
Home Runs: Olivia Golden & Reggie Harrison (4)
Stolen Bases: Bevia Robinson (20)
ERA: Alexis Silkwood (1.24)
Opposing Batting Average: Cassady Knudsen (.127)
Innings Pitched: Alexis Silkwood (107.1)
Strikeouts: Alexis Silkwood (78)
MSU In The RPI…
The Bulldogs come in at No. 31 in this week's RPI rankings. So far this year, the Dogs have earned wins against Alabama (No. 7), Texas A&M (No. 9) and Fresno State (No. 33). Nine of State's wins this year have come against Top 100 programs.
Dogs Got That Power…
The Bulldogs have tallied 15 home runs so far through the year, besting the 11 they hit in the first 39 games of the 2016 season. State has put together three multi-home run contests through this season, while only having one all of last year and is just three away from tying last year's season total 18 bombs.
Pitching Staff On Fire…
State's pitching staff has been stellar through 39 games in 2017. The group's 1.49 ERA ranks fourth in the SEC and 12th in the NCAA. Alexis Silkwood (1.24 ERA) stands 12th in the SEC, 28th NCAA, while Holly Ward (1.29 ERA) is 13th in the SEC and 32nd in the nation.
Adding to State's pitching dominance has been Cassady Knudsen's impressive performance from the circle this year. The junior has allowed just 2.82 hits per seven innings, good for fourth in both the SEC and the NCAA. Her 9.5 strikeouts per seven frames stands fourth in the league and 19th nationally.
Silk Rewriting The Record Books…
Senior lefty Alexis Silkwood has been putting her name all throughout the MSU record books since she arrived on campus in 2014. Now in her final year, she has already crowned herself the new MSU K Queen, became the first pitcher in Bulldog history to record over 500 strikeouts and 600.0 innings pitched and is poised to take over several other categories...
- 1st in strikeouts (525)
- 1st in complete games (47)
- 1st in innings pitched (613.2)
- T-1st in wins (55)
- 2nd in starts (88)
- 2nd in appearances (132)
- T-3rd in shutouts (13)
- T-3rd in saves (8)
Late Innings, Our Innings…
Under the leadership of head coach Vann Stuedeman, State has been a force in the late innings and nothing is more evident of that than the 70 comeback wins the Bulldogs have amassed in her tenure. MSU tallied 10 in 2016, including an early-season comeback against No. 23 South Alabama and another against No. 11 LSU at home.
State has 10 come-from-behind victories so far in 2017, including walk-off victories against Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 11, Samford on March 4 and Louisiana Tech on March 24. Most recently, the Dogs rallied from two down against Southern Miss on March 28, scoring three in the seventh to take the lead and the win.
The Dogs are also 19-0 when leading after five and 16-0 when leading after six frames. In games tied after five and six innings, State is 2-1.
Weather…
Friday's Forecast (April 7) – Sunny, 66 Degrees (0%)
Saturday's Forecast (April 8) – Sunny, 73 Degrees (10%)
Sunday's Forecast (April 9) – Mostly Sunny, 80 Degrees (10%)
Live Stream…
All three of this weekend's contests will live streamed through the SEC Network +, with Anthony Craven on the call. Fans can access the games through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or clicking the links below.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Friday)
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Saturday)
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina SEC Network + Broadcast (Sunday)
Live Stats…
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend. They can be found in the link below.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina Live Stats
Admission…
All matches at Nusz Park this weekend, as well as the entire season, are free admission.
Super Bulldog Weekend Promotions…
Friday, April 7
MSU vs. South Carolina (6:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- Free Super Bulldog Weekend t-shirts
- Free Bulldog Softball emoji magnets
- Recognition of national finalist MSU women's basketball (Seniors will throw out first pitch and will toss t-shirts during the game)
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Kids' Zone
Saturday, April 8
MSU vs. South Carolina (12:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- White Out – Fans wear white (Free t-shirts)
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Kids' Zone
Sunday, April 9
MSU vs. South Carolina (12:00 p.m. CT)
- Free admission
- Free t-shirts and prizes throughout the game
- Free pair of concert tickets to the next show at Rick's Café
- "Kids' Day at the Park": Kids' Zone; kids run the bases with the team post-game
- Kids' Zone
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Game
Maroon Memories…
Several exclusive opportunities are available for Bulldog fans of all ages through Maroon Memories. A full list of how to upgrade your Nusz Park experience is below…
First Game/Birthday Buttons
Fans attending their first game and/or celebrating their birthday at Nusz Park will receive a special "1st Gameday" or "Birthday" button.
Junior PA Announcer
A young Bulldog fan will have the opportunity to be the PA announcer during the bottom of the third inning, announcing their favorite Bulldog batters and helping lead the fans at Nusz Park in cheering on the Dogs.
Second Base Delivery
One fan will help deliver second base out onto the field 30 minutes prior to first pitch, helping get the field at Nusz Park set for Bulldog softball.
Videoboard Messages
With this memory, you can broadcast a special message to someone for their birthday, anniversary, or other special occasions on the videoboard for everyone to see.
Up Next…
The Bulldogs hit the road after Super Bulldog Weekend, continuing conference play with a weekend in Athens, Ga., against Georgia. The Battle of the Bulldogs will start Friday, April 14 at 5 p.m. CT.
Social Media…
For more on Mississippi State softball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap".
Players Mentioned
C/UTL
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
P
/ Softball
UTL
/ Softball
P
/ Softball
P
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