Momentum is on Mississippi State’s side, and the Bulldogs have no intention of letting up. Coming off consecutive SEC series victories and a streak of seven straight midweek wins, the Diamond Dawgs return to Dudy Noble Field on Tuesday night to take on Southern University — a program MSU has historically dominated.
Here’s a breakdown of what to watch when Mississippi State (22-14) hosts Southern (15-19) at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
The Bulldogs have won five of their last six games, including a big series win on the road against then-No. 12 Alabama. Their offense is clicking, averaging 7.1 runs per contest. Power hitter Ace Reese is tied for fifth in the SEC with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs, while shortstop Sawyer Reeves remains the team’s most reliable hitter with a .377 average. Meanwhile, Hunter Hines continues to climb the program’s all-time home run list, now sitting at 62 — just five behind Rafael Palmeiro.
Southern enters with one of the most dangerous offenses in the country, leading Division I in stolen bases (142) and averaging 9.5 runs per game. Outfielder Cardell Thibodeaux is having a monster season, slashing .467 with 14 homers, 52 RBIs, and an NCAA-best .967 slugging percentage. However, MSU’s pitching has been among the best in the country, ranking third in strikeouts per nine innings (12), fourth in WHIP (1.16), and limiting opponents to a .210 batting average. Freshman Ryan McPherson will make his first start, bringing a 2.61 ERA and 32 strikeouts from the bullpen.
MSU holds a 4-0 all-time record against Southern, outscoring them 45-12 in those games. Their last meeting in 2022 ended with a 14-5 win for the Bulldogs, fueled by a big night from Hines. Southern’s pitching staff, which has a sky-high ERA of 10.61, could struggle to keep Mississippi State’s hitters in check.
With momentum, depth, and the home crowd behind them, the Bulldogs look to keep their hot streak going. But Southern’s potent lineup adds a layer of unpredictability — making Tuesday night’s clash one that could deliver fireworks.
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