Team Lightning wins Diamond Dawg Classic, 12-3

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Team Lightning defeated Team Thunder 12-3 in the Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic on Friday night at Dudy Noble Field, defending the title it won a year earlier.

The game brought former Mississippi State players from across generations back to the field before thousands of Bulldogs fans. The event, held for the second year, featured 45 players who reached the professional ranks, including 17 major leaguers, eight MLB All-Stars, six first-round draft picks and two World Series champions, according to Mississippi State.

Jonathan Papelbon managed Team Lightning, while Mitch Moreland led Team Thunder. Papelbon said the alumni event had grown stronger and praised the support from fans. He also said he did not think many schools staged an alumni game in the same way.

Several former Bulldogs drew attention during the game. Tanner Allen, the 2021 SEC Player of the Year, lined a hit into right-center field. Hunter Renfroe also returned to the plate, recalling his three-run home run against Oregon State in the 2013 College World Series. Mississippi State reached the championship finals for the first time that season.

Former pitchers Justin Pigott and Jacob Billingsley also took part. Pigott pitched for Mississippi State in Omaha, while Billingsley threw a complete game in the 2017 regional at Southern Mississippi. The event included 33 College World Series participants and six NCAA national champions, according to the school.

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