Mississippi State Bulldogs Gear Up for Showdown with Southern Miss in the C Spire College Series
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in what promises to be an electric midweek matchup in the C Spire College Series. The Bulldogs will step onto the field at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi, ready to build on their impressive early-season form. With the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m., fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Southern Miss comes into the contest with a solid 8-4 record, having recently claimed a series victory against Indiana State. The Golden Eagles showcased their resilience by securing the first two games, but they couldn’t complete the sweep, falling in the series finale.
Offensively, the team is batting .239, with Dalton McIntyre leading the charge, sporting a .310 average. Hot on his heels is Carson Paetow, who has been a consistent threat with a .294 average, eight RBIs, and two home runs, not to mention an impressive .479 on-base percentage.
Taking the mound for Southern Miss will be senior Cole Boswell in his third appearance this season. Despite a challenging start with a 6.75 ERA over four innings and five strikeouts, Boswell will look to turn the tide against the Bulldogs. The Golden Eagles’ pitching staff overall holds a 3.96 ERA with a commendable 133 strikeouts, indicating that they’re not to be underestimated.
Series History
Tuesday’s game marks the 129th meeting between Mississippi State and Southern Miss, a rivalry dating back to 1947. The Bulldogs hold the upper hand historically, with an 85-43 series lead, including a nail-biting 10-9 victory in their last encounter at Trustmark Park in 2023.
Diamond Dawgs’ Dominant Pitching
Mississippi State hits the road for the first time this season, fresh off a dominant sweep of Mount St. Mary‘s. Their pitching staff was the cornerstone of their success, allowing a mere three earned runs across the series and amassing 37 strikeouts. Each starting pitcher for the Dawgs lasted more than six innings, with Nate Dohm and Cijntje delivering standout performances and career-highs in strikeouts.
The team also celebrated their first shutout since their National Championship win in 2021, demonstrating that their pitching prowess remains a formidable force.
Hines’ Homers and Mershon’s Mastery
Hunter Hines continues to be a key offensive player for the Bulldogs, with 38 home runs over two seasons—one of the highest tallies among active SEC players. David Mershon, now on a four-game hitting streak, is batting .500, demonstrating his critical role in the lineup since his return.
Auger’s Comeback
Brooks Auger has made a noteworthy return to the bullpen after missing the 2023 season due to injury. With six innings pitched and eight strikeouts to his name already, he’s proving to be a valuable asset for the Diamond Dawgs as they progress through the 2024 campaign.
Looking Ahead
As the Bulldogs and Golden Eagles prepare to face off, all eyes will be on Trustmark Park for what’s set to be an enthralling confrontation. With both teams looking to assert their dominance early in the season, this midweek clash in the C Spire College Series is nothing short of a battle of top team in the Manolia State battling it out for supremacy.
