Diamond Dogs Test Clemson's Tigers In Starkville Super Regional Opener
Friday’s series-opener, the lead game of four NCAA Super Regionals televised nationally by the ESPN networks, is set for an 11:06 a.m. (CDT) first pitch. Buck Martinez and Mark Neely will handle the broadcasting chores for ESPN’s telecast.
MSU is playing in its third NCAA Super Regional and its first at Dudy Noble Field.
Sophomore right-hander Chad Crosswhite (8-4, 4.16) will make his 10th start of the season for the Bulldogs, squaring off against Clemson ace lefty Daniel Moskos (3-5, 2.91), also drawing his 10th start of the campaign. Moskos was the fourth player taken overall in Thursday’s opening day selections in the Major League draft.
Mississippi State, picked to finish last in the SEC Western Division, captured the NCAA Tallahassee Regional last weekend, besting Stetson 6-3 and knocking off No. 6 national seed and tourney host Florida State twice, 3-0 and 9-4. Clemson nipped St. John’s 3-2 and topped instate rival Coastal Carolina 11-8 and 15-3 to win the Myrtle Beach Regional in three games.
Overflow crowds are anticipated for the series with advance ticket sales for the best-of-three series having eclipsed the 10,000 mark Thursday afternoon.
The series continues with an 11 a.m. (CDT) contest Saturday and, if necessary, a deciding third game Sunday at 12 p.m. (CDT).