Mississippi State put 8 runs on the board in the first inning on Saturday against VMI. Surprisingly, 13 runs turned out to not be enough to get a series-clinching win. The Bulldogs fell 14-13 to VMI in frustrating fashion as a 10-1 lead was erased.

VMI’s rally started with a 4-run inning in the top of the 3rd, cutting it to 10-5. In the top of the 4th, it became a 10-7 game with 2 more runs. The Bulldogs got a run back in the bottom half of the inning, but the Keydets added 2 more in the 5th inning to make it an 11-9 game. MSU made it 12-9 in the bottom of the 6th inning.

VMI took the lead with a 4-run 7th inning, going up 13-12. An insurance run was added in the top of the 9th inning, making it 14-12 for MSU’s final 3 outs. Back-to-back 1-out doubles cut it to 14-13, but the Bulldogs were unable to bring home the tying run, with Hunter Hines’ game-ending strikeout left Colton Ledbetter stranded on 3rd base.

The Keydets took advantage of MSU pitching woes, drawing 12 walks in the game. VMI had only 7 hits in the game but played well situationally. The Keydets were 5-of-9 (.556) leading off and 17-of-26 (.654) in advancement opportunities, including 4-for-4 with runners on 3rd, less than 2 outs.

Ledbetter was the game’s star hitter, going 4-for-5 with a home run, 2 doubles and 6 RBIs. Justin Starke was VMI’s top hitter, going 2-for-3 with 4 RBI.

The opening weekend series is split 1-1 after MSU’s 11-2 Friday win. The rubber match is set for Sunday (1 p.m. CT).