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VMI stuns Mississippi State as Bulldogs squander 10-1 lead
By Andrew Olson
Published:
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.
Will Riley 96 bayouuu ??
VMI takes game 2 and evens the series pic.twitter.com/PKzIe5ikYF
— 11Point7: The College Baseball Podcast ? (@11point7) February 18, 2023
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).
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
