Chris Lemonis names starter, previews College World Series final against Vanderbilt
By Keith Farner
Published:
Mississippi State is still coming off an emotional high of the dramatic victory over Texas to prepare for Monday’s national championship series against Vanderbilt.
Multiple reports have suggested that left-hander Christian MacLeod is supposed to get the ball. MacLeod had a rough outing on Tuesday start against Virginia as he gave up four runs by the second inning.
“Christian is rested and fresh,” coach Chris Lemonis said, per Gene’s Page. MacLeod also has some direct scouting to draw on after he faced the Commodores on April 23. His stint went 3 2/3 innings with 82 pitches.
“He pitched really good against Vanderbilt earlier in the year, at least three or four innings,” Lemonis said. “We’re behind him and need him to go out and pitch and compete for us.”
Lemonis suggested that a Game 2 starter is still to be determined, and that ace Will Bednar would not be available until Wednesday since he pitched on Saturday.
“I’ve spoken to Will already. He’s so competitive, but he has a long career after this, we’re very sensitive to that,” he said.
As for the rest of the team, Lemonis said “We’re still coming off last night, a great win,” Lemonis said. “It’s been kind of crazy, trying to get the guys rested. … Our message from the first game of the regional is it’s a players’ game, and players win right now.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
