Big Inning Downs Bulldogs Against No. 19 LSU

Saturday, May 7

Starkville

2:00 PM

Mississippi State

#19 LSU

Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics

Big Inning Downs Bulldogs Against No. 19 LSU

May 07, 2022 | Softball

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By: Brian Ogden, Associate Director/Communications

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State lost the second game of its final weekend series, 9-2, to No. 19 LSU.

The Tigers (34-19, 13-10 SEC) put up seven runs in the sixth inning with the help of four errors. Seven straight Tigers reached base safely to open the frame. LSU added two more solo homers in the seventh to build an eight-run lead.

"We have to find a way to get on a roll again. I think really in the last month we have struggled offensively, and in the past, we've been able to make up for the defensive errors even for in our pitching in our bats," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "We've gone cold. It's tough when we are cold in all three phases. It just leads to the big inning, particularly when we start it off with an error on a routine play. We talk a lot about limiting the big inning and we just haven't been able to find a way to have a stopper."

Mississippi State (31-23, 9-14 SEC) opened the scoring in the fifth when Shea Moreno dropped down a squeeze bunt to score Brylie St. Clair before LSU's big inning. The Bulldogs cut into the gap in the seventh inning on a solo home run from Mia Davidson.

Davidson became the sixth player in NCAA history to hit 90 career home runs. She is tied for fifth.

Quotables

Samantha Ricketts on having two runners left on in three innings and how much the game changes if they converted on some of those opportunities…
"We are letting it get to us too much. If we do pick up some runs early, it is a big relief. Right now, it is just compounding and building on each other in the pressure. We are looking too far ahead and too much big picture instead of what we can control, which is each pitch."

Samantha Ricketts on what kind of momentum swing it is when you are one strike away from getting out of the jam before a three-run double…
"I thought Matalasi Faapito did a good job limiting the damage, until the big hit. To a team and offense like LSU, you cannot throw the ball down the middle, especially when you are ahead in the count. It goes back to being refocused for every pitch and being able to execute. We were not able to do either one today."

Quick Hitters

Mia Davidson – Started her 260th career game, tying the school record (Kellie Wilkerson, 1999-2002) … caught a runner stealing to tie Sam Lenahan (2011-14) for MSU career total throw outs record with 54 (42 CS, 12 PO) … hit her 90th career home run, tying her with Stacey Nuveman for fifth all-time in NCAA history … extended her reached-base streak to seven games … picked up her 12th multi-hit game of the season after going 2-for-4 with a double.

Chloe Malau'ulu – Extended her reached-base streak to 10 games with a walk in the fourth … also reached on an error and fielder's choice.

Shea Moreno – Put down a squeeze bunt in the fifth inning to score Brylie St. Clair … extended her reached-base streak to nine games with a walk in the seventh.

Brylie St. Clair – Went 1-for-4 … scored in the fifth inning on a squeeze play at the plate.

Aspen Wesley – Started and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits before re-entering in the top of the sixth.

Scoring Recap

Bottom 5
Aquana Brownlee was hit by the first pitch of the inning. Brylie St. Clair reached on a fielder's choice that retired Brownlee at second. Mia Davidson doubled off the wall in right field. Shea Moreno laid down a squeeze bunt and St. Clair beat the throw home to score.
LSU 0, Mississippi State 1

Top 6
Cierra Briggs reached first on a fielding error by the second baseman. Briggs advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Taylor Pleasants, but Pleasants was safe at first when the first baseman dropped the throw. Georgia Clark drew a walk to load the bases. Shelbi Sunseri reached first on a fielding error by the shortstop, scoring Briggs. Ali Newland was hit by a pitch, scoring Pleasants. Morgan Smith singled to right field, scoring Clark and advancing Sunseri and Newland. Cait Calland drew a walk to score Sunseri. Ciara Briggs cleared the bases with a three-run double to left-center, and advanced to third on a wild throw home by the shortstop.
LSU 7, Mississippi State 1

Top 7
Clark and Newland both hit solo homers.
LSU 9, Mississippi State 1

Bottom 7
Davidson hit a solo homer to left field.
LSU 9, Mississippi State 2

On Deck

Mississippi State and LSU conclude the series on Sunday. First pitch is set for noon on SEC Network+. The Bulldogs will recognize their departing seniors prior to the game.

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