A somewhat sleepy crowd at Dudy Noble Field received a jolt of energy Saturday afternoon thanks to a big fly from the Mississippi State center fielder.

Rowdey Jordan launched his 10th home run to center field, and sent the faithful into a frenzy to give the Bulldogs the lead in the sixth inning, their first of the Super Regional against Notre Dame. Then, after the Bulldogs gave up the lead in the seventh, State responded thanks to a right-center field shot by Logan Tanner, the team’s home run leader, in the seventh. Tanner’s blast, his 13th, sent the fans into a celebration mode once more, and State held on for an 9-8 win. The crowd was announced at 14,385, the largest Super Regional crowd in history.

State’s star reliever Landon Sims came on in the eighth and mowed down six batters, including three strikeouts in the victory.

Notre Dame had four errors, and left eight men on base.

In a spirited game, there was a run scored in each of the first seven innings of the opener of the Starkville Regional.

Will Bednar got the start for State, but only lasted three innings after he gave up four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

Game 2 is set for 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. If necessary, Game 3 would be at 7 p.m. ET on Monday.