Columbia, S.C. — No. 17 Mississippi State finished a historic weekend with a 4-3, 11-inning win over South Carolina at Founders Park Sunday. The victory marked the Bulldogs’ first-ever three-game sweep of the Gamecocks, according to team officials.
MSU (30-10, 10-8 SEC) took an early lead in the second inning when Gehrig Frei reached on an error. Blake Bevis followed with a two-run homer, his fourth of the season, to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. MSU added another run in the sixth on a single by Frei and a fielder’s choice by Bevis.
South Carolina (19-22, 5-13 SEC) chipped away at the lead, scoring once in the sixth and twice in the eighth to tie the game. Jake Randolph drove in a run in each inning, leveling the score at 3-all. The Gamecocks threatened in the eighth but were held scoreless by Bulldog relievers Ben Davis and Maddox Webb.
MSU broke the tie in the 11th inning. Vytas Valincius singled, and pinch runner Gatlin Sanders moved to third on a single by Aidan Teel. Kevin Milewski then hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Sanders for the go-ahead run. Webb earned the win after 2 2/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Starting pitcher Charlie Foster delivered a career-high eight strikeouts over seven innings, allowing six hits and three runs. The Bulldogs finished with 10 hits, led by Valincius, who had three. Bryce Chance added two hits, and Frei scored twice. The victory keeps MSU in strong position as it prepares to host Memphis on Tuesday.
MSU returns to Dudy Noble Field for the game against Memphis at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+. Fans can follow updates on team social media accounts or visit HailState.com for more information.
