Mississippi State softball dominates Baylor with no-hitter in season opener

Waco, Texas — Peja Goold pitched nearly a no-hitter in her debut for No. 22 Mississippi State, which routed Baylor 10-0 in five innings Thursday night. The Bulldogs opened their season with a five-inning, run-rule victory, powered by four home runs.

State jumped ahead early, with the first five batters reaching safely. Nadia Barbary hit a two-run homer in the first inning to put the Bulldogs up 2-0. Abby Grace Richardson homered to start the second inning, and Mississippi State exploded for seven runs in the third, including a three-run homer by Morgan Stiles and a two-run blast by Kiarra Sells.

Goold dazzled on the mound, striking out five and allowing just one hit and three walks in 4.2 innings. She kept Baylor off the board, with only two runners reaching second base all night. Her performance nearly resulted in the 27th no-hitter in school history.

Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised Goold’s focus and competitiveness. “She mixed speeds and kept attacking hitters,” Ricketts said. “It was fun to see her go out and do her thing. We’re excited to see what she continues to do for us.”

Mississippi State’s offensive onslaught was highlighted by the four home runs, its highest since April 2025. Morgan Stiles, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, extended her hitting streak to five games. Barbary also extended her streak to five games, hitting .368 during that span.

The Bulldogs continue their play at the Getterman Classic on Friday, facing Northwestern State at 10 a.m. CT and Wichita State at 12:30 p.m. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+. State has now won 13 straight season openers, with five of those victories ending via run rule and all five being shutouts.

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