Mississippi State’s baseball team fell to Georgia 3-1 Friday night at Dudy Noble Field, despite a strong performance from starter Tomas Valincius. The Bulldogs, ranked fourth nationally, left 13 runners on base and struggled to convert scoring chances.
Mississippi State scored its only run in the first inning without recording a hit. Aidan Teel and Ace Reese drew back-to-back walks before Noah Sullivan advanced them with a sacrifice bunt. Reed Stallman then grounded out to bring in the run, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. Valincius pitched 7 1/3 innings, striking out 10 and allowing just four hits while keeping Georgia off the scoreboard through six innings.
Georgia tied the game in the seventh inning when Michael O’Shaughnessy hit a solo home run to right field. The Bulldogs took the lead in the eighth when Ryan Wynn hit a solo shot, prompting Mississippi State to replace Valincius. Georgia added an insurance run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Kolby Branch after a stolen base and passed ball. UGA relievers Paul Farley and Matt Scott shut down the Bulldogs over the final 3 2/3 innings, with Scott earning the save.
Mississippi State, now 25-6 overall and 7-4 in SEC play, will attempt to even the series Saturday at 10 a.m. on SEC Network+. The Bulldogs plan to send right-hander Duke Stone to the mound against Georgia’s Kenny Ishikawa.
The game was part of the 2026 Ron Polk Ring of Honor induction ceremony, which will take place after the game at Humphrey Coliseum’s southwest atrium. The class includes Bulldog legends Nat “Buck” Showalter, Alex Grammas, and Chris Stratton.
