STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State Bulldogs delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, demolishing Lipscomb 26-0 at Dudy Noble Field to complete a series sweep. The No. 4 ranked Bulldogs (14-2) tied for the fourth-largest win in program history, a feat not achieved since 1999, showcasing an explosive offensive display and a stifling pitching performance.
Mississippi State’s offensive onslaught began early and never relented. The team amassed 20 hits and drew 10 walks, consistently putting runners on base and capitalizing on opportunities. Noah Sullivan led the charge with two home runs and a remarkable six RBIs, continuing a hot streak that has seen him hit three home runs in the last two games.
The Bulldogs’ scoring erupted in the third inning, where they plated 12 runs, effectively sealing the outcome. Sullivan’s second home run, a three-run shot, highlighted the inning, alongside a two-RBI single from Kevin Milewski. Prior to that, MSU had already built a 7-0 lead through the first two innings, punctuated by Sullivan’s first home run of the game in the opening frame and a series of hits and a hit by pitch in the second.
The offensive fireworks weren’t limited to the third. Gehrig Frei added a two-run home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 26-0. Drew Wyers also contributed a strong performance, going 2-for-2 on the day.
On the mound, Duke Stone delivered a masterful performance, pitching four perfect innings to start the game. He was followed by a succession of pitchers – B. Puckett, M. Mabrey, A. Switalski, K. Kantola, R. Kutz, and C. Pica – who combined to maintain the shutout, preventing a Lipscomb batter from reaching base until a walk in the fifth inning.
Lipscomb (6-8) struggled to find any offensive rhythm against the Bulldogs’ pitching staff. They managed only one hit throughout the entire game, a testament to Mississippi State’s dominance on both sides of the ball.
The victory moves Mississippi State to 14-2 on the season. Coach Brian O’Connor’s team will next face Tulane in Biloxi on March 10th (6 p.m. CT, SEC Network+) before beginning Southeastern Conference play at Arkansas on March 13th.
Mississippi State’s performance against Lipscomb underscores their position as a national contender. The Bulldogs’ ability to consistently generate offense, combined with their strong pitching, makes them a formidable opponent. The team’s current RPI stands at No. 41, a number expected to climb with continued success.
Looking ahead, the SEC schedule presents a significant challenge. The Bulldogs will face tough competition from teams like Arkansas, a key series that will test their ability to perform under pressure. The upcoming games against Tulane will provide an opportunity to fine-tune their game plan before entering conference play.
The Bulldogs’ lineup featured Drew Wyers at DH, Ace Reese at 3B, Noah Sullivan at 1B, Vytas Valincius in RF, Chone James as Catcher, Gehrig Frei at 2B, Ryder Woodson at SS, Blake Bevis in LF, and Bryce Chance in CF. Duke Stone took the mound as the starting pitcher.
Fans can tune into the Mississippi State vs. Lipscomb game on 96.1 FM or stream it on the Mississippi State athletics website or the MSU Hail State app. The weather forecast for the game was 74 degrees and cloudy, with a low chance of rain, though thunderstorms were expected later in the day.
The most runs Mississippi State has ever scored in a single game remains 32, achieved against Jackson State in 1988. While Saturday’s 26-run outburst didn’t quite reach that historic mark, it stands as one of the most impressive offensive displays in recent program history.
