Ryan McPherson pitched six strong innings, striking out a career-high 11 batters to lead fourth-ranked Mississippi State to a 9-2 win over Delaware on Friday at Dudy Noble Field, according to the university.
The sophomore right-hander allowed four hits and one earned run, walking one and throwing 62 of 92 pitches for strikes. With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 6-0 on the season.
Mississippi State scored three runs in the first inning against Delaware starter Brady Blum. Ace Reese went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Bryce Chance was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI. The team finished with 16 hits, including five doubles, and all nine starters recorded at least one hit.
Relief pitchers Jack Gleason and Maddox Miller each pitched two scoreless innings, with Gleason striking out three. The Bulldogs’ defense limited Delaware to four hits as the Fightin’ Blue Hens fell to 1-4.
The series continues Saturday at 1 p.m., with Mississippi State sending left-hander Tomas Valincius (1-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound. Delaware will counter with graduate right-hander Doug Marose (0-0, 9.00 ERA). The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Visit www.HailState.com for updates on the Bulldogs’ baseball season and follow the program on social media under ‘HailStateBB.’
