Mississippi State beats No. 20 LSU to clinch series on record-setting Senior Day

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Peja Goold pitched a complete game and struck out 11 batters to lead Mississippi State to a 5-2 victory over No. 20 LSU on Saturday. The win clinched the series for the Bulldogs during a record-setting Senior Day at Nusz Park.

The Tigers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning with Sierra Daniel homering to right field. Mississippi State responded with a five-run bottom half, highlighted by a three-run homer from Paige Ernstes and a two-run shot from Xiane Romero. LSU added a run in the third, but Goold shut down the Tigers over the final four innings.

Goold’s performance marked her 12th complete game of the season and her fourth with double-digit strikeouts. She has allowed two or fewer runs in 16 appearances this year. Following the game, she received the final Golden Ticket for the AUSL College Draft, securing her spot on one of the league’s six professional teams this summer.

In front of 2,606 fans — the largest crowd at a college softball game in Mississippi — the Bulldogs clinched the series during Super Bulldog Weekend. The crowd broke the previous single-game attendance record at Nusz Park and was the fourth time this season that more than 2,000 fans attended a game.

Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised Goold’s leadership and maturity. “She’s confident, hardworking, and a great leader in the circle,” Ricketts said. “We’re so proud of her and excited for her future. She represents Mississippi State with integrity and professionalism.”

Romero finished with two hits, while four of the Bulldogs’ eight hits came from seniors honored before the game. The Bulldogs aim for their first sweep of the season in Sunday’s finale, scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on SEC Network+.

Mississippi State’s next game will determine if they can complete the sweep against LSU, with more updates available through the team’s social media accounts.

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