No. 15 Mississippi State Hosts Memphis in Midweek Baseball Game

Mississippi State, ranked No. 15 nationally, hosts Memphis in a midweek baseball game Tuesday at Dudy Noble Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., with coverage available on SEC Network+.

MSU enters the game with a 30-10 record and is riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping South Carolina on the road for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs have won six consecutive meetings against Memphis and hold a 60-27 advantage in the all-time series.

Last season, Mississippi State defeated Memphis twice, winning 5-3 in Memphis and 18-5 via run rule in Starkville. The Bulldogs are coming off a strong offensive season, batting .317 with a .540 slugging percentage, 67 home runs, and 93 doubles, leading the SEC in doubles and ranking among the top in the nation. They also have drawn 202 walks and have a .417 on-base percentage.

Junior third baseman Ace Reese leads the offense with a .318 average, 12 home runs, 47 RBIs, and 17 doubles — the most in the SEC. Veteran second baseman Gehrig Frei is batting .336 with seven home runs, while Noah Sullivan has a .347 average and 31 RBIs. Freshman Jacob Parker adds seven homers and a .322 batting average. The lineup also features Bryce Chance, batting .368, and transfer Aidan Teel, with a .308 average.

On the mound, Mississippi State owns a team ERA of 3.45. The staff has struck out 454 batters in 344 innings and posted six shutouts, second-most in the country. Junior right-hander Tyler Pitzer is expected to start, holding a 2-2 record with a 3.07 ERA in 13 appearances.

Memphis arrives at 15-23 overall, 7-8 in the American Athletic Conference, and has won five straight games. The Tigers are batting .266 with 43 home runs and 89 stolen bases. Michael Gupton leads with a .308 average, 11 homers, and 36 RBIs. Freddy Rodriguez has scored 35 runs and stolen 31 bases, while James Smith IV has seven homers and 35 RBIs.

Memphis is expected to start sophomore right-hander Seth Impson, who is 1-2 with an 8.80 ERA in 10 appearances. The Tigers’ pitching staff has struggled this season, posting a 7.54 ERA and allowing 60 home runs.

Fans can find updates at www.HailState.com or follow the team on social media under ‘HailStateBB.’

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