No. 17 Mississippi State advances to Starkville Regional final with 10-5 win over Cincinnati

STARKVILLE — No. 17 Mississippi State moved closer to hosting the NCAA Starkville Regional final after a 10-5 victory over No. 24 Cincinnati on Saturday night at Dudy Noble Field.

The Bulldogs, now 42-17, broke open a 1-1 game with a big offensive surge, scoring three runs in the fifth inning, four in the sixth, and two in the seventh. The win puts Mississippi State in the regional final set for Sunday at 7 p.m., where they will face the winner of the Cincinnati versus Louisiana elimination game, scheduled for 2 p.m. The winner of Sunday’s game will earn the regional championship and advance to the NCAA super regionals.

Freshman right-hander Ryan McPherson earned the start for Mississippi State, improving to 3-1 with a 2.70 earned run average. McPherson allowed just one run through 7 1/3 innings and struck out 10 batters. He was supported by an offense that included a home run from Ace Reese and three RBIs from Reed Stallman.

Mississippi State took an early lead with Reese’s solo shot in the first inning. Cincinnati answered in the second with consecutive hits, including a double from Christian Mitchelle, tying the game at 1-1. The Bulldogs responded with a series of runs, highlighted by a two-run double from Stallman in the sixth inning that extended the lead to 8-1.

The Bearcats attempted a late rally, scoring four runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but Mississippi State held on behind reliever Ben Davis, who recorded the final outs. The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 in the regional after their opening win over Lipscomb on Friday.

Mississippi State will look to secure its spot in the NCAA super regionals in the final, with sophomore pitcher Ryan McPherson set to start on the mound. The regional final will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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