STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State baseball opened its season with a three-game sweep of Hofstra over the weekend, marking a successful start for new head coach Brian O’Connor. The Bulldogs won all three contests, with the season beginning under ideal weather conditions and a record crowd of 12,824 fans at Dudy Noble Field, according to school officials.
O’Connor emphasized the importance of experience and managing emotions in his first games at MSU. “They have to experience it themselves,” he said. “They need to learn to slow the game down and do what it tells them to do.” The team faced early struggles but managed to secure wins, demonstrating resilience and growth.
Several players, including transfers like James Nunnallee, shared positive impressions of the atmosphere. Nunnallee, a Virginia transfer, said, “Getting to play here is incredible. The fans are awesome. I was nervous at first, but it’s so much fun.”
Despite some early nerves and mistakes, the Bulldogs showed promise. They didn’t record a hit until the fourth inning on opening day and made some base-running errors. O’Connor acknowledged these as teachable moments. “We have a lot to learn and grow from,” he said. “But we found a way to win two games Saturday and all three this weekend.”
Offensively, Ace Reese led the team with a .417 batting average and a three-run homer that shifted the momentum in the series finale. Bryce Chance and Reed Stallman also contributed with over .300 averages and combined for six RBIs. Pitcher Ben Davis earned a save in the opener, pitching three strong innings.
O’Connor expressed enthusiasm about the team’s early development and the environment at Dudy Noble Field. He praised the passionate fans and stressed the importance of handling pressure and expectations. “Fun is what this weekend was about,” he said. “You can’t play with clenched fists. Leaders set the tone.”
Looking ahead, O’Connor noted that experiencing tight games is essential for growth. “Getting used to close contests prepares them for the league,” he said. The Bulldogs will continue their schedule with a doubleheader against Hofstra on Saturday.
