Mississippi State Baseball set to host Southern in midweek matchup

Momentum is building in Starkville, and Mississippi State baseball doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Riding back-to-back SEC series wins and seven straight midweek victories, the Diamond Dawgs return to Dudy Noble Field Tuesday night to face Southern University — a team MSU has dominated historically.

Here’s what to watch for when the Bulldogs (22-14) host the Jaguars (15-19) at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.

Mississippi State has won five of its last six games, including a series triumph at then-No. 12 Alabama. The offense is heating up, averaging 7.1 runs per game behind sluggers like Ace Reese, who’s tied for fifth in the SEC with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. Shortstop Sawyer Reeves remains the team’s most consistent bat, hitting .377, while Hunter Hines continues his assault on the MSU record books with 62 career homers — just five shy of tying Rafael Palmeiro.

Southern boasts one of the most explosive lineups in the country, averaging 9.5 runs per game and leading the nation with 142 stolen bases. Outfielder Cardell Thibodeaux is a force, slashing .467 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs — all while leading Division I in slugging percentage (.967). But MSU’s pitching staff has been elite: third nationally in strikeouts per nine (12), fourth in WHIP (1.16), and holding opponents to a .210 batting average. Freshman Ryan McPherson will make his first start for the Bulldogs with a 2.61 ERA and 32 strikeouts in relief work.

MSU is a perfect 4-0 all-time against Southern, outscoring the Jaguars 45-12 in those matchups. The last meeting in 2022 ended 14-5 in favor of the Bulldogs, highlighted by a big night from Hines. Southern’s pitching — which carries a bloated team ERA of 10.61 — will be tested early and often.

Mississippi State has the momentum, the depth, and the home-field advantage. But Southern’s bats bring danger. Tuesday night might just be the next statement in the Bulldogs’ midseason surge — and one fans won’t want to miss.