Saturday, April 7
Starkville
1:00 PM
Mississippi State
vs
#10 Texas A&M (DH-1)
For the three straight weekend, MSU will be locked in a Top 25 battle as MSU welcomes No. 10 Texas A&M to Nusz Park
Bulldog Softball Welcomes Aggies for Top 25 Showdown at Nusz
April 05, 2018 | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Coming off a tough road swing in Fayetteville, No. 22 Mississippi State softball (28-9, 3-6 SEC) looks to rebound in a Top 25 showdown at Nusz Park as the Bulldogs host No. 10 Texas A&M (32-8, 5-4 SEC).
The weekend series begins on Friday, April 6 with a primetime battle on ESPNU. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Both Saturday and Sunday's contests are set for a 2 p.m. CT start time and will be aired on the SEC Network+ and SEC Network, respectively.
This weekend will mark just the third time in school history that the Aggies have made the trek to Starkville. Texas A&M holds a slight advantage in the series history at 8-7, but the series is deadlock at 5-5 over the last 10 contests. The Bulldogs have only lost to Texas A&M once at Nusz Park.
State is looking to rebound after dropping its last conference series on the road at Arkansas. The Bulldogs only scored four runs over the three-game series, all coming off home runs.
Pitching continues to be a major key in State's success heading into the third month of the season. The Bulldog staff has tossed 13 shutouts to hold a blistering 1.65 ERA in the circle, which is good for fifth in the Southeastern Conference and 16th in all of Division I softball.
Senior Holly Ward anchors the pitching staff with a 10-4 record and a 1.54 earned run average over 95.2 innings pitched. The righter has struck out 98, while issuing just 23 walks to hold a 4.26 strikeouts-to-walk ratio, which is good for 10th in the conference.
On the offensive side of the ball, freshman Mia Davidson continues to be the clubhouse leader and is the lone Bulldogs to record 30 or more hits, runs scored and RBIs this season. Davidson leads the SEC in three categories over the first eight weeks of the season: total bases (104), slugging percentage (.881) and home runs (13).
TEXAS A&M SERIES SCHEDULE
Friday, April 6 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (7:30 p.m. CT)
Saturday, April 7 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (2 p.m. CT)
Sunday, April 8 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (2 p.m. CT)
LAST TIME OUT
Mississippi State held a 2-1 lead after three innings, but Arkansas used a five-run fourth to capture an 8-2 victory in Sunday's series finale at Bogle Park. Junior Kat Moore and senior Morgan Bell were the lone Bulldogs to record multiple hits in Sunday's finale. Bell went 2-for-3 with the go-ahead solo home run in the top of the third. Senior Holly Ward (10-4) came into the game in the top of the first in relief for freshman Emily Williams. Ward tossed 4.0 innings for the Bulldogs, allowing six runs off six hits and four walks. The right-hander struck out two.
Friday, March 30
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 3-2 (Recap, Box Score)
Saturday, March 31
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 6-0 (Recap, Box Score)
Sunday, April 1
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 3-2 (Recap, Box Score)
SERIES HISTORY
Against Texas A&M
Overall: Texas A&M leads 8-7
In Starkville: Mississippi State leads 3-1
Last Meeting: No. 6 Texas A&M def. Mississippi State, 3-1 (March 12, 2017 in College Station, Texas)
Current Streak: Texas A&M, +2
VANNTASTIC START FOR THE BULLDOGS
With 28 wins over its first 37 games, Mississippi State is off to the program's best start since the 2006 season when the Bulldogs open its first 37 games with a total of 29 wins.
Most Wins Over First 37 Games
1. 2006 29-8
2. 2018 28-9
3. 2015 27-10
2013 27-10
2000 27-10
BOLD INDICATES UNDER VANN STUEDEMAN ERA
HURTS SO GOOD
For the 34th time in her career, Sarai Niu was hit by a pitch, which moves her into third all-time in program history. Briana Bell (2008-13) holds the program of 55.
SLUGGING TOWARDS SEASON RECORD
Just 37 games into her freshman season, Mia Davidson has already etched her name into the record books. Davidson slugged her 13th home run of the season during the series finale at Arkansas, which moves her into a tie for fifth all-time in single-season history with Caroline Seitz (2015), Kellie Wilkerson (1999) and Logan Foulks (2013).
Her 13 home runs also tie Kellie Wilkerson (1999) for the second-most ever hit by a MSU freshman. Davidson now ranks only behind Courtney Bures (17, 2005).
BOMB SQUAD
As a team the Bulldogs have hit 35 home runs, which ranks tied for fourth in the Southeastern Conference and have turned in 12 multi-home run games this season. Freshman Mia Davidson leads the team and is tied for the SEC lead with a total of 13 home runs through the first 37 games of the season.
Four Bulldogs have also knocked the first home runs of their career this season: Grace Dabbs, Carmen Carter, Macey Petrey and Bevia Robinson.
WARD UP
Holly Ward's impressive start to her senior season has moved her into the MSU career record book. With a total of five strikeouts over her appearances at No. 23 Arkansas last weekend, Ward moved into sixth all-time in career strikeouts.
6th Strikeouts 297
T6th Shutouts 9
T6th Solo No-Hitters 1
T7th Saves 6
8th Opponent Batting Avg. .238
9th Strikeouts per 7 inn. 5.51
MAMA MIA!
To say that Mia Davidson has had hot start to her freshman season would be an understatement. Not only has Davidson proven to be a spark to MSU offense's early success, but she has also ranks as one of the top hitters amongst the conference.
Davidson currently ranks in the top 10 in the Southeastern Conference in nine offensive categories, including first in total bases (104), home runs (13) and slugging percentage (.881), third in hits (50) and fifth in batting average (.424). Davidson all ranks in the top 10 nationally in three categories: second in total bases, fourth in home runs and 10th in slugging percentage.
MISSISSIPPI QUEEN
In her seventh season at the helm of Mississippi State softball, Vann Stuedeman has notched 231 wins to surpass Kathy Arendsen (1997-2002) for the second-most victories in program history. Jay Miller (2003-211) holds the program record at 295.
WEATHER
Friday, April 6 – 69 Degrees; Showers (90%)
Saturday, April 7 – 53 Degrees; Cloudy (20%)
Sunday, April 8 – 65 Degrees; Partly Cloudy (0%)
LIVE STREAM
All three of this weekend's game will be streamed through WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app, while Friday and Saturday's contests will be televised nationally on ESPNU and the SEC Network, respectively.
Game One: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (ESPNU)
Game Two: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (SECN+)
Game Three: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (SECN)
LIVE STATS
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend, which may be accessed through the link below.
No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M Live Stats
ADMISSION
Admission to all regular-season home games at Nusz Park is free.
PROMOTIONS
Friday, April 6
- FREE Admission
- "Social Media Night" Featuring Social Media-Themed Games & Promotions
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
Saturday, April 7
- FREE Admission
- GIVEAWAY: FREE "StarkVegas" Black Out T-Shirts (While Supplies Last)
- Black Out Bingo for Prizes Throughout the Game
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
Sunday, April 8
- FREE Admission
- Kids Day the Park presented by Le Bonheur (Kids Run the Bases Following the Game)
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
ON DECK
Mississippi State continues is homestand on Tuesday, April 10 for a midweek tilt versus Alcorn State at 6 p.m. CT.
FOLLOW THE DAWGS
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 series begins on Friday, April 6 with a primetime battle on ESPNU. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. CT. Both Saturday and Sunday's contests are set for a 2 p.m. CT start time and will be aired on the SEC Network+ and SEC Network, respectively.
This weekend will mark just the third time in school history that the Aggies have made the trek to Starkville. Texas A&M holds a slight advantage in the series history at 8-7, but the series is deadlock at 5-5 over the last 10 contests. The Bulldogs have only lost to Texas A&M once at Nusz Park.
State is looking to rebound after dropping its last conference series on the road at Arkansas. The Bulldogs only scored four runs over the three-game series, all coming off home runs.
Pitching continues to be a major key in State's success heading into the third month of the season. The Bulldog staff has tossed 13 shutouts to hold a blistering 1.65 ERA in the circle, which is good for fifth in the Southeastern Conference and 16th in all of Division I softball.
Senior Holly Ward anchors the pitching staff with a 10-4 record and a 1.54 earned run average over 95.2 innings pitched. The righter has struck out 98, while issuing just 23 walks to hold a 4.26 strikeouts-to-walk ratio, which is good for 10th in the conference.
On the offensive side of the ball, freshman Mia Davidson continues to be the clubhouse leader and is the lone Bulldogs to record 30 or more hits, runs scored and RBIs this season. Davidson leads the SEC in three categories over the first eight weeks of the season: total bases (104), slugging percentage (.881) and home runs (13).
TEXAS A&M SERIES SCHEDULE
Friday, April 6 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (7:30 p.m. CT)
Saturday, April 7 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (2 p.m. CT)
Sunday, April 8 – No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M (2 p.m. CT)
LAST TIME OUT
Mississippi State held a 2-1 lead after three innings, but Arkansas used a five-run fourth to capture an 8-2 victory in Sunday's series finale at Bogle Park. Junior Kat Moore and senior Morgan Bell were the lone Bulldogs to record multiple hits in Sunday's finale. Bell went 2-for-3 with the go-ahead solo home run in the top of the third. Senior Holly Ward (10-4) came into the game in the top of the first in relief for freshman Emily Williams. Ward tossed 4.0 innings for the Bulldogs, allowing six runs off six hits and four walks. The right-hander struck out two.
Friday, March 30
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 3-2 (Recap, Box Score)
Saturday, March 31
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 6-0 (Recap, Box Score)
Sunday, April 1
Arkansas def. No. 18 Mississippi State, 3-2 (Recap, Box Score)
SERIES HISTORY
Against Texas A&M
Overall: Texas A&M leads 8-7
In Starkville: Mississippi State leads 3-1
Last Meeting: No. 6 Texas A&M def. Mississippi State, 3-1 (March 12, 2017 in College Station, Texas)
Current Streak: Texas A&M, +2
VANNTASTIC START FOR THE BULLDOGS
With 28 wins over its first 37 games, Mississippi State is off to the program's best start since the 2006 season when the Bulldogs open its first 37 games with a total of 29 wins.
Most Wins Over First 37 Games
1. 2006 29-8
2. 2018 28-9
3. 2015 27-10
2013 27-10
2000 27-10
BOLD INDICATES UNDER VANN STUEDEMAN ERA
HURTS SO GOOD
For the 34th time in her career, Sarai Niu was hit by a pitch, which moves her into third all-time in program history. Briana Bell (2008-13) holds the program of 55.
SLUGGING TOWARDS SEASON RECORD
Just 37 games into her freshman season, Mia Davidson has already etched her name into the record books. Davidson slugged her 13th home run of the season during the series finale at Arkansas, which moves her into a tie for fifth all-time in single-season history with Caroline Seitz (2015), Kellie Wilkerson (1999) and Logan Foulks (2013).
Her 13 home runs also tie Kellie Wilkerson (1999) for the second-most ever hit by a MSU freshman. Davidson now ranks only behind Courtney Bures (17, 2005).
BOMB SQUAD
As a team the Bulldogs have hit 35 home runs, which ranks tied for fourth in the Southeastern Conference and have turned in 12 multi-home run games this season. Freshman Mia Davidson leads the team and is tied for the SEC lead with a total of 13 home runs through the first 37 games of the season.
Four Bulldogs have also knocked the first home runs of their career this season: Grace Dabbs, Carmen Carter, Macey Petrey and Bevia Robinson.
WARD UP
Holly Ward's impressive start to her senior season has moved her into the MSU career record book. With a total of five strikeouts over her appearances at No. 23 Arkansas last weekend, Ward moved into sixth all-time in career strikeouts.
6th Strikeouts 297
T6th Shutouts 9
T6th Solo No-Hitters 1
T7th Saves 6
8th Opponent Batting Avg. .238
9th Strikeouts per 7 inn. 5.51
MAMA MIA!
To say that Mia Davidson has had hot start to her freshman season would be an understatement. Not only has Davidson proven to be a spark to MSU offense's early success, but she has also ranks as one of the top hitters amongst the conference.
Davidson currently ranks in the top 10 in the Southeastern Conference in nine offensive categories, including first in total bases (104), home runs (13) and slugging percentage (.881), third in hits (50) and fifth in batting average (.424). Davidson all ranks in the top 10 nationally in three categories: second in total bases, fourth in home runs and 10th in slugging percentage.
MISSISSIPPI QUEEN
In her seventh season at the helm of Mississippi State softball, Vann Stuedeman has notched 231 wins to surpass Kathy Arendsen (1997-2002) for the second-most victories in program history. Jay Miller (2003-211) holds the program record at 295.
WEATHER
Friday, April 6 – 69 Degrees; Showers (90%)
Saturday, April 7 – 53 Degrees; Cloudy (20%)
Sunday, April 8 – 65 Degrees; Partly Cloudy (0%)
LIVE STREAM
All three of this weekend's game will be streamed through WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app, while Friday and Saturday's contests will be televised nationally on ESPNU and the SEC Network, respectively.
Game One: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (ESPNU)
Game Two: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (SECN+)
Game Three: No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No 10 Texas A&M (SECN)
LIVE STATS
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend, which may be accessed through the link below.
No. 22 Mississippi State vs. No. 10 Texas A&M Live Stats
ADMISSION
Admission to all regular-season home games at Nusz Park is free.
PROMOTIONS
Friday, April 6
- FREE Admission
- "Social Media Night" Featuring Social Media-Themed Games & Promotions
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
Saturday, April 7
- FREE Admission
- GIVEAWAY: FREE "StarkVegas" Black Out T-Shirts (While Supplies Last)
- Black Out Bingo for Prizes Throughout the Game
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
Sunday, April 8
- FREE Admission
- Kids Day the Park presented by Le Bonheur (Kids Run the Bases Following the Game)
- FREE Gift Cards & Prizes Throughout the Games
- FREE T-Shirts for ALL Bulldog Strikeouts!
- Up to 225 Hail State Rewards Points Per Game
- 150 Bully's Kids Club Points Per Game
ON DECK
Mississippi State continues is homestand on Tuesday, April 10 for a midweek tilt versus Alcorn State at 6 p.m. CT.
FOLLOW THE DAWGS
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
OF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
C/INF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
UTL
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
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