Offensive Firepower Pushes Bulldogs to Opening Day Victory

Friday, February 17

Starkville

3 p.m.

Mississippi State

1-0

VMI

0-1

VMI

Mississippi State

Offensive Firepower Pushes Bulldogs to Opening Day Victory

February 17, 2023 | Baseball

Box Score Photo Gallery

Chance went 3-for-5 with a home run in the win over the Keydets

By: William Simmons, Athletic Communications Student Assistant

STARKVILLE – In front of the largest Opening Day crowd in the history of Dudy Noble Field (10,652), the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0) excelled at the plate with 11 runs on 16 hits en route to a 11-2 win over visiting VMI.

Offense was the name of the game for the Diamond Dawgs, as they scored in all but two innings. The offense was highlighted by Amani Larry and Bryce Chance. Larry had a 4-for-4 day at the plate, driving in 4 RBIs and reached on a walk. Chance went 3-for-5 on the day, blasting his first career home run and State's first on the year.

Slate Alford and Luke Hancock both had efficient days. Alford went 3-for-4 at the plate, driving in two runs, while Hancock went 2-for-4 on the day, accounting for three runs.

On the basepath, Mississippi State totaled 4 stolen bases, which tied the most in a single game from the 2022 campaign.

Cade Smith earned the win for the Bulldogs, holding the Keydets scoreless in four innings of work and striking out five. Nate Dohm showed entered in a bases loaded sixth inning and induced a ground ball double play to end the threat.

The Bulldogs are back in action on Saturday as they play game two against VMI. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m on the SECN+.

SCORING SUMMARY

Bottom First

Mississippi State took advantage early with back-to-back doubles from Amani Larry and Colton Ledbetter. Slate Alford drove Larry in with a sacrifice fly to the warning track.
Mississippi State 1, VMI 0

Bottom Second

State extended their lead with after an RBI single from Amani Larry.
Mississippi State 2, VMI 0

Bottom Third

Alford led off the inning with a single into center. He then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Luke Hancock drove Alford in with a sacrifice fly to deep right field.
Mississippi State 3, VMI 0

Top Fifth

Ty Swaim reached on a bunt, then advanced on a balk. Zac Morris hit a double down the right field line, scoring Swam. Justin Starke reached on a throwing error, which scored Morris.
Mississippi State 3, VMI 2

Bottom Fifth

With runners on the corners, Bryce Chance lined a ball to right field to score Clark. With the bases loaded, Amani Larry singled through the right side to score Hancock and Chance.
Mississippi State 6, VMI 2

Bottom Sixth

Alford led off the inning with a single through the right side and was drove in on a two-run home run Bryce Chance. With Forsythe on second base, Larry singled to center, driving in another RBI.
Mississippi State 9, VMI 2

Bottom Seventh

With runners on first and second, Alford singled through the middle to score one. Clark reached on a fielder's choice, scoring the final run of the game.
Mississippi State 11, VMI 2