Mississippi State took an early lead but fell to Georgia 8-5 in 10 innings Saturday at Dudy Noble Field.
The Bulldogs (25-7, 7-5 SEC) scored twice in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Ace Reese. Vytas Valincius added a solo shot in the second, giving MSU a 3-0 advantage.
Georgia (27-6, 10-2 SEC) responded with a run in the third and a three-run homer from Rylan Lujo in the fifth, which, along with a solo blast by Brennan Hudson, put UGA ahead 5-3. MSU tied the game in the sixth on a two-run homer by Gehrig Frei after Ryder Woodson drew a leadoff walk.
Both teams’ pitchers kept the game close through the late innings. State’s bullpen held Georgia scoreless from the sixth through the ninth. The Bulldogs threatened in the bottom of the ninth but couldn’t score, sending the game into extra innings.
In the 10th, Georgia’s Michael O’Shaughnessy hit a three-run homer after a leadoff single and a fielder’s choice. Daniel Jackson and O’Shaughnessy drove in the decisive runs to give the Bulldogs an 8-5 lead. Georgia’s bullpen closed out the game in the bottom half.
Mississippi State’s offense featured home runs from Reese, Frei, and Valincius. Chance led the team with two hits and two stolen bases. Starting pitcher Duke Stone struck out a career-high 10 batters. Georgia finished with 16 hits, with Lujo driving in four RBIs.
The Bulldogs will host UAB on Tuesday at 6 p.m. for their next game. Fans can find updates and news at www.HailState.com or follow the team on social media under ‘HailStateBB.’
