CLINTON, S.C. — A five-run sixth inning propelled Mississippi State to a 9-1 run-rule victory over Wofford at the Tiger Invitational on Friday morning. The Bulldogs (16-1) scored early and maintained their lead through the game, earning their fourth win of the season in 4 1/2 innings.
Mississippi State scored twice in the second inning, with Morgan Bernardini driving in one run on an RBI triple and later scoring on a single from Tatum Silva. Abby Grace Richardson extended the lead with an inside-the-park home run in the fourth. Wofford scored its only run in the bottom of the fourth inning, but the Bulldogs responded strongly in the sixth.
During the decisive sixth inning, Mississippi State sent 10 batters to the plate, with Abigail Stevens, Morgan Stiles, Kinley Keller, Des Rivera and Paige Ernstes each driving in a run. The Bulldogs’ pitcher Leila Ammon earned her fourth victory of the season, striking out five over 4 1/3 innings. Alyssa Faircloth struck out all three batters she faced in relief, and Delainey Everett made her season debut in the final inning.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s maturity and approach at the plate. She also welcomed back players Xiane Romero and Delainey Everett from injury, noting their contributions as they continue to ease back into action.
Mississippi State will continue play at the Tiger Invitational with games against Georgia Southern at 11:30 a.m. and Clemson at 2 p.m. Saturday. The game against Clemson will be available on ACC Network Extra.
