STARKVILLE, Miss. — A crowd of more than 2,100 fans witnessed a historic upset Saturday as Mississippi State defeated No. 1 Tennessee 1-0 on a walk-off home run by Taylor Troutman. The victory evened the series and marked the Bulldogs’ fourth win all-time over a No. 1 team, according to school records.
The game was a pitchers’ duel, with neither team scoring until the seventh inning. Troutman, who struck out twice earlier in the game, led off the final frame with a solo shot to center field, sealing the victory for Mississippi State.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised Troutman’s resilience and confidence. “Taylor believed she could come through, and she did,” Ricketts said. “She’s worked hard to get back after her ACL injury last year, and this moment is very special for her.”
Peja Goold pitched a standout game for the Bulldogs, striking out 10 batters for her fifth shutout of the season and allowing just two hits against Tennessee’s potent offense. Goold’s performance kept Mississippi State in the game until Troutman’s heroics.
Goold credited her preparation and her teammate Alyssa Faircloth’s advice for her success. “I knew I had to be ready and attack their hitters,” she said. “Alyssa helped me get ready, and I just focused on executing my pitches.”
The victory marked the 47th ranked win for coach Ricketts, setting a program record. It also drew a record crowd for the Bulldogs’ regular-season games at Nusz Park, with 2,134 fans in attendance.
