Friday, May 4
Starkville
6:30 PM
Mississippi State
vs
#7 Tennessee
Mississippi State rounds out the regular season this weekend with a huge SEC series against No. 7 Tennessee.
No. 24 Bulldogs Host No. 7 Tennessee to Close Out Regular Season
May 03, 2018 | Softball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – It will be a Top 25 showdown at Nusz Park to round out the regular season as No. 24 Mississippi State (34-18, 6-15) welcomes No. 7 Tennessee (42-10, 12-9 SEC) to Nusz Park for the final weekend series of the regular season.
It a tight race in the conference standings, this weekend will be the final chance for crucial push in seeding for next week's SEC Championship in Columbia, Mo. The Bulldogs currently hold a one-game lead for the 12th seed, but has room to move up to 10th with a strong weekend of play.
The weekend series kicks off on Friday, May 4 with a 6:30 p.m. CT first pitch. The series opener will be part of the SEC Network's Bases Loaded coverage, which will feature live look-ins at all six SEC series. The full game will be available on the SEC Network +, via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Both Saturday and Sunday's game are slated for a 1 p.m. CT starts on the SEC Network +.
Kicking off the final week of the regular season in style, fans will enjoy several promotions. Join the Bulldogs on Friday to celebrate "May the Fourth Be With" with Star Wars trivia and postgame fireworks. Saturday will be Starkville Parks & Recreation Day, and fans can also pick up margarita and piña colada flavors snow cones to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Fans also have a chance to win a Yeti cooler with a postgame tennis ball toss on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs will honor its 2018 seniors Calyn Adams, Morgan Bell, Carmen Carter, Reggie Harrison, Cassady Knudsen, Holly Ward and student manager Laken Shankle in a postgame ceremony. Sunday is also MSU's annual Bark at the Park game as fans are welcome to bring their dogs to the stadium and take them on the field following the Senior Day ceremony. All dogs must be on leashed and have up-to-date shots.
Prior to this weekend, the Bulldogs and Lady Volunteers have met 54 times with Tennessee holding a 37-17 advantage in the series. The Lady Vols hold a 17-6 record in games played in Starkville and have won the eight of the last 10 meetings between the squads.
State is looking to bounce back after a tough weekend on the road at No. 13 South Carolina as the Gamecocks swept the weekend series. Holly Ward turned in an excellent performance in the circle all series long, allowing just two earned runs over 11.1 innings of work.
Ward's success in the circle has helped MSU to a 1.89 earned run average as a staff, which ranks sixth in the Southeastern Conference. Behind a record-tying 17 shutouts, MSU's team ERA is the lowest by a staff since the 1998 season. Ward anchors the staff 1.32 ERA over 142.2 innings of work. She holds a 13-7 record in the circle with four saves and has struck out a team-leading 143 batters this season.
The Gamecocks kept freshman Mia Davidson in check last weekend, but the slugger still ranks as not only MSU's top producer at the plate, but as one of the best in the entire league. Still the lone Bulldog to record 40 or more hits, runs scored and RBIs this season, Davidson leads the SEC with 128 total bases and is in a three-way tie with Georgia's Alyssa DiCarlo and Tennessee's Meghan Gregg for the SEC lead in home runs with 16.
SERIES SECHEDULE
Friday, May 4 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (6:30 p.m. CT)
Saturday, May 5 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (1 p.m. CT)
Sunday, May 4 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (1 p.m. CT)
LAST TIME OUT
Mississippi State wrapped up its regular-season road schedule last weekend with a trio of games against No. 13 South Carolina.
Friday, April 27
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 2-5 (Box Score, Recap)
Saturday, April 28
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 1-8 (Box Score, Recap)
Sunday, April 29
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 4-5 (Box Score, Recap)
SERIES HISTORY
Against Tennessee
Overall: Tennessee leads 37-17
In Starkville: Tennessee leads 17-6
Last Meeting: No. 17 Tennessee def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 9-4 (March 27, 2016 in Knoxville)
Current Streak: Tennessee, +6
CLUBHOUSE LEADERS
Batting Average: Mia Davidson (.391)
Slugging Percentage: Mia Davidson (.795)
On-Base Percentage: Mia Davidson (.465)
Runs Scored: Mia Davidson (46)
Hits: Mia Davidson (63)
RBIs: Mia Davidson (41)
Doubles: Mia Davidson (13)
Triples: Emily Heimberger/Bevia Robinson (3)
Home Runs: Mia Davidson (16)
Stolen Bases: Emily Heimberger (15)
ERA: Holly Ward (1.32)
Batting Average Against: Holly Ward (.202)
Innings Pitched: Holly Ward (142.2)
Strikeouts: Strikeouts (143)
SENIOR DAWGS
This weekend the Bulldogs will honor its 2018 senior class of Calyn Adams, Morgan Bell, Carmen Carter, Reggie Harrison, Cassady Knudsen and Holly Ward. Over their careers, the MSU seniors have written their names over the Bulldog record book and have appeared in three SEC Championship tournaments, two NCAA Regionals and have recorded 132 total wins, which currently ranks as the 14th-most wins by a MSU senior class.
BLANK'EM
Behind Holly Ward's one-hit performance at Troy on April 26, the Bulldog pitching staff recorded its 17th shutout of the 2018 season, tying the school record that was originally set over the 1998 season.
In her seven season at the helm, head coach Vann Stuedeman's staffs have recorded 74 shutouts.
DIRTY THIRTY
For the sixth time under the helm of head coach Vann Stuedeman, the Bulldogs have recorded at least 30 victories in a season as MSU's notched its 30th victory of 2018 with an 11-0 run-rule victory over Alcorn State on April 10. The win also marks the 17th time in program history that the Bulldogs have won at least 30 games in a season.
#VANNTASTIC START FOR THE BULLDOGS
With 34 wins over its first 52 games, Mississippi State of to its fourth-best start in program history, tying the 2017 and 2015 squads. Three teams hold the program record with 36 wins over the first 52 games. Head Coach Vann Stuedeman has been at the helm of four of the six winngest teams over a 52-game span.
Most Wins Over First 52 Games
1. 2014 36-16
2008 36-16
2000 36-16
4. 2018 34-18
2017 34-18
2015 34-18
BOLD INDICATES UNDER VANN STUEDEMAN ERA
HURTS SO GOOD
Being struck by a pitch nine times her junior season, Sarai Niu has now recorded 35 career hit by pitches, which moves her into third all-time in program history. Briana Bell (2008-13) holds the program of 55.
SLUGGING TOWARDS SEASON RECORD
With 52 games of her freshman season under her belt, Mia Davidson has etched her name into the record books. Davidson slugged her 16th home run of the season during the Bulldogs' series opener versus Florida on April 20 and now stands third all- time in single-season history. Her 16 home runs are just one shy of tying Courtney Bures (2005) for the MSU freshman record.
WEATHER
Friday – Mostly Cloudy; 85 degrees (20%)
Saturday – Thunderstorms; 72 Degrees (100%)
Sunday – Mostly Sunny; 80 Degrees (10%)
WATCH LIVE
The first game of the weekend series will be nationally televised on the SEC Network as part of the network's Bases Loaded coverage. All three games will be streamed in their entirety on the SEC Network +, which can be access through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.
Game One: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
Game Two: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
Game Three: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
LIVE STATS
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend, which can be access through the links below.
No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee Live Stats
ADMISSION
Admission to this weekend's games at Nusz Park are free.
DUE UP
Mississippi State will await its fate for the 2018 SEC Championship, host by Missouri in Columbia, Mo. The tournament will begin Wednesday, May 9 with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, May 12. The full tournament bracket will be released following the conclusion of Sunday's SEC play.
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".
It a tight race in the conference standings, this weekend will be the final chance for crucial push in seeding for next week's SEC Championship in Columbia, Mo. The Bulldogs currently hold a one-game lead for the 12th seed, but has room to move up to 10th with a strong weekend of play.
The weekend series kicks off on Friday, May 4 with a 6:30 p.m. CT first pitch. The series opener will be part of the SEC Network's Bases Loaded coverage, which will feature live look-ins at all six SEC series. The full game will be available on the SEC Network +, via WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app. Both Saturday and Sunday's game are slated for a 1 p.m. CT starts on the SEC Network +.
Kicking off the final week of the regular season in style, fans will enjoy several promotions. Join the Bulldogs on Friday to celebrate "May the Fourth Be With" with Star Wars trivia and postgame fireworks. Saturday will be Starkville Parks & Recreation Day, and fans can also pick up margarita and piña colada flavors snow cones to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Fans also have a chance to win a Yeti cooler with a postgame tennis ball toss on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs will honor its 2018 seniors Calyn Adams, Morgan Bell, Carmen Carter, Reggie Harrison, Cassady Knudsen, Holly Ward and student manager Laken Shankle in a postgame ceremony. Sunday is also MSU's annual Bark at the Park game as fans are welcome to bring their dogs to the stadium and take them on the field following the Senior Day ceremony. All dogs must be on leashed and have up-to-date shots.
Prior to this weekend, the Bulldogs and Lady Volunteers have met 54 times with Tennessee holding a 37-17 advantage in the series. The Lady Vols hold a 17-6 record in games played in Starkville and have won the eight of the last 10 meetings between the squads.
State is looking to bounce back after a tough weekend on the road at No. 13 South Carolina as the Gamecocks swept the weekend series. Holly Ward turned in an excellent performance in the circle all series long, allowing just two earned runs over 11.1 innings of work.
Ward's success in the circle has helped MSU to a 1.89 earned run average as a staff, which ranks sixth in the Southeastern Conference. Behind a record-tying 17 shutouts, MSU's team ERA is the lowest by a staff since the 1998 season. Ward anchors the staff 1.32 ERA over 142.2 innings of work. She holds a 13-7 record in the circle with four saves and has struck out a team-leading 143 batters this season.
The Gamecocks kept freshman Mia Davidson in check last weekend, but the slugger still ranks as not only MSU's top producer at the plate, but as one of the best in the entire league. Still the lone Bulldog to record 40 or more hits, runs scored and RBIs this season, Davidson leads the SEC with 128 total bases and is in a three-way tie with Georgia's Alyssa DiCarlo and Tennessee's Meghan Gregg for the SEC lead in home runs with 16.
SERIES SECHEDULE
Friday, May 4 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (6:30 p.m. CT)
Saturday, May 5 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (1 p.m. CT)
Sunday, May 4 – No. 24 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee (1 p.m. CT)
LAST TIME OUT
Mississippi State wrapped up its regular-season road schedule last weekend with a trio of games against No. 13 South Carolina.
Friday, April 27
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 2-5 (Box Score, Recap)
Saturday, April 28
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 1-8 (Box Score, Recap)
Sunday, April 29
No. 13 South Carolina def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 4-5 (Box Score, Recap)
SERIES HISTORY
Against Tennessee
Overall: Tennessee leads 37-17
In Starkville: Tennessee leads 17-6
Last Meeting: No. 17 Tennessee def. No. 25 Mississippi State, 9-4 (March 27, 2016 in Knoxville)
Current Streak: Tennessee, +6
CLUBHOUSE LEADERS
Batting Average: Mia Davidson (.391)
Slugging Percentage: Mia Davidson (.795)
On-Base Percentage: Mia Davidson (.465)
Runs Scored: Mia Davidson (46)
Hits: Mia Davidson (63)
RBIs: Mia Davidson (41)
Doubles: Mia Davidson (13)
Triples: Emily Heimberger/Bevia Robinson (3)
Home Runs: Mia Davidson (16)
Stolen Bases: Emily Heimberger (15)
ERA: Holly Ward (1.32)
Batting Average Against: Holly Ward (.202)
Innings Pitched: Holly Ward (142.2)
Strikeouts: Strikeouts (143)
SENIOR DAWGS
This weekend the Bulldogs will honor its 2018 senior class of Calyn Adams, Morgan Bell, Carmen Carter, Reggie Harrison, Cassady Knudsen and Holly Ward. Over their careers, the MSU seniors have written their names over the Bulldog record book and have appeared in three SEC Championship tournaments, two NCAA Regionals and have recorded 132 total wins, which currently ranks as the 14th-most wins by a MSU senior class.
BLANK'EM
Behind Holly Ward's one-hit performance at Troy on April 26, the Bulldog pitching staff recorded its 17th shutout of the 2018 season, tying the school record that was originally set over the 1998 season.
In her seven season at the helm, head coach Vann Stuedeman's staffs have recorded 74 shutouts.
DIRTY THIRTY
For the sixth time under the helm of head coach Vann Stuedeman, the Bulldogs have recorded at least 30 victories in a season as MSU's notched its 30th victory of 2018 with an 11-0 run-rule victory over Alcorn State on April 10. The win also marks the 17th time in program history that the Bulldogs have won at least 30 games in a season.
#VANNTASTIC START FOR THE BULLDOGS
With 34 wins over its first 52 games, Mississippi State of to its fourth-best start in program history, tying the 2017 and 2015 squads. Three teams hold the program record with 36 wins over the first 52 games. Head Coach Vann Stuedeman has been at the helm of four of the six winngest teams over a 52-game span.
Most Wins Over First 52 Games
1. 2014 36-16
2008 36-16
2000 36-16
4. 2018 34-18
2017 34-18
2015 34-18
BOLD INDICATES UNDER VANN STUEDEMAN ERA
HURTS SO GOOD
Being struck by a pitch nine times her junior season, Sarai Niu has now recorded 35 career hit by pitches, which moves her into third all-time in program history. Briana Bell (2008-13) holds the program of 55.
SLUGGING TOWARDS SEASON RECORD
With 52 games of her freshman season under her belt, Mia Davidson has etched her name into the record books. Davidson slugged her 16th home run of the season during the Bulldogs' series opener versus Florida on April 20 and now stands third all- time in single-season history. Her 16 home runs are just one shy of tying Courtney Bures (2005) for the MSU freshman record.
WEATHER
Friday – Mostly Cloudy; 85 degrees (20%)
Saturday – Thunderstorms; 72 Degrees (100%)
Sunday – Mostly Sunny; 80 Degrees (10%)
WATCH LIVE
The first game of the weekend series will be nationally televised on the SEC Network as part of the network's Bases Loaded coverage. All three games will be streamed in their entirety on the SEC Network +, which can be access through WatchESPN and the WatchESPN app.
Game One: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
Game Two: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
Game Three: No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee
LIVE STATS
Mississippi State will provide live stats for all three games this weekend, which can be access through the links below.
No. 25 Mississippi State vs. No. 7 Tennessee Live Stats
ADMISSION
Admission to this weekend's games at Nusz Park are free.
DUE UP
Mississippi State will await its fate for the 2018 SEC Championship, host by Missouri in Columbia, Mo. The tournament will begin Wednesday, May 9 with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, May 12. The full tournament bracket will be released following the conclusion of Sunday's SEC play.
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".
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