Mississippi State, Texas A&M Set for Top-15 Series in College Station
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Mississippi State University visits Texas A&M for a three-game Southeastern Conference series that could impact postseason seeding. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 13, aim to rebound after losing the final two games of their series against Auburn last weekend.
MSU enters the series with a 38-14 record and a 15-12 mark in SEC play. Texas A&M, ranked No. 10, holds a 37-12 record and has a 16-10 conference record. The series begins Thursday at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+ and concludes Saturday with an 11 a.m. game on SEC Network.
The Bulldogs are looking to build on their road success, boasting a 9-5 record in away games and wins at Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Texas. Mississippi State leads the all-time series, 24-23, but Texas A&M won the most recent meeting, a 9-0 victory last year at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama.
MSU will start left-hander Tomas Valincius on Thursday. The Virginia transfer is 8-2 with a 2.52 ERA, 105 strikeouts and 16 walks in 75 innings. He will face Aggies’ left-hander Ethan Darden, who is 4-1 with a 3.33 ERA and 20 strikeouts.
Friday’s game will feature right-hander Duke Stone for Mississippi State. The 6-1 pitcher has a 4.65 ERA and 85 strikeouts over 62 innings. The Saturday starter for State has not been announced. Texas A&M has also yet to reveal its starting pitchers for the final two games.
Both teams bring potent offenses to the field. Texas A&M boasts a .304 batting average, 108 home runs and 282 walks, while Mississippi State hits .313 with 117 doubles and 91 home runs. The Bulldogs’ lineup is led by third baseman Ace Reese, who is batting .335 with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs. Outfielder Bryce Chance is batting .371 with 18 doubles and has been on a nine-game hitting streak.
Mississippi State’s pitching staff has a 4.04 ERA and has struck out 581 batters in 448 innings. The Bulldogs have demonstrated resilience and capability against top opponents this season, including sweeps of Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and LSU.
Fans can follow the series live through live stats, TV broadcasts, and social media updates via ‘HailStateBB.’ The outcome could influence postseason positioning as the Bulldogs seek to continue their strong season.
Source: Original Article
