Mobile, Ala. — The No. 12 Mississippi State softball team used its power hitting to secure a 4-2 victory over South Alabama on Sunday. The Bulldogs scored all their runs with home runs, including two from Kiarra Sells and one from Nadia Barbary, in a comeback win.
Mississippi State (24-2) fell behind early, with South Alabama scoring single runs in the first two innings. Peja Goold started on the mound and threw four innings, striking out four. Leila Ammon pitched a clean inning before Alyssa Faircloth earned her third save with two shutout innings.
In the third inning, Barbary tied the game with a solo home run, and Sells quickly followed with her own. In the fifth, Barbary was hit by a pitch before Sells hit a two-run shot to put the Bulldogs ahead for good, 4-2, according to team statistics.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s depth and composure. “Pitching depth is important, especially with conference play ahead. They trust each other and execute their roles well,” she said. Ricketts also highlighted Tatum Silva’s effort, noting her hustle and readiness.
Offensively, Barbary hit her seventh home run of the year and has reached safely in seven straight games. Sells, with her 10th home run of the season, has been a consistent power threat, leading the team with 11 multi-hit games. The Bulldogs return home Tuesday to host Southeast Missouri and then open SEC play against No. 1 Tennessee on March 13.
