| 1996 | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 1998 | Jan | Feb | March |
04/30/98 - The Wednesday night Miss State/Southern Miss game was called due to rain in the top of the 3rd inning with MSU leading 2 to 0. I'm not sure at this time if it will be rescheduled.
04/29/98 - The 18th ranked Miss State Bulldogs (32-15) defeated Southern Miss, 11-0, last night.
The star of the game was last week's SEC Player-of-the-Week, Brian Wiese, who went 4-for-5, including a 3-run home run (8-for-10, 7 RBI, 2 HR his last 2 games. Now hitting .441 with 17 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR and 43 RBI). Other hitting stars were Rusty Thoms with 3 hits, Chris Lotterhos 2 hits, and Brooks Bryan with 2 hits.
Freshman pitcher Mark Freed struggled throughout his 5 innings but gained the victory to go to 6-3 on the season. Mark scattered 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. Brian Compton, as usual, pitched very, very well in his 3 innings. True freshman Justin Estel, pitching for the first time as a Bulldog, closed out the game by getting 3-up and 3-down in the 9th. Justin has a very good arm and could be a factor in postseason play. Justin had arm surgery last fall, but appears to be healing quite nicely based on his performance last night.
The Bulldogs played their third straight error-free game.
The Bulldogs and Golden Eagles conclude their four-game series tonight beginning at 6:30.
04/28/98 - Miss State and Southern Miss continue their four-game series tonight at DNF/PDS beginning at 6:30.
04/28/98 - Miss State is now ranked 18th in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll, 29th in the Collegiate Baseball poll and 25th in the Baseball America poll. Win a couple this week and a couple this weekend and it wouldn't surprise me if our Bulldogs would move up into the top 20 in all of the polls, then we can start getting serious about hosting a regional. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have said that but, with MSU's name recognition, a hot end of the season, and it is very possible.
04/28/98 - The rumor I'm hearing is Miss State is very interested (scholarship offer maybe?) in North Florida CC slugging first baseman Scott Atwood.
Now, to the facts. Scott, a former New Hope HS baseball player, set two records at NFCC this past season: most home runs (20) and most RBI (67). He also batted .352 and hit 14 doubles. MSU is one of many who have discovered this very talented baseball player. BTW, I have seen this young man play. He has great power, ala, Jon Knott. It sure would be nice to see these two batting back to back in the MSU lineup. Makes you think of a former power-hitting tanden from years past, doesn't it?
04/26/98 - Miss State, now 31-15 and 11-12 in the SEC, defeated Georgia, 7 to 1. State has pulled ahead of Arkansas in the SEC West and is now in 4th place. As far as to where MSU stands in regard to the SEC Tournament, State is the 7th entry in the tournament. Arkansas would be the 8th entry if the tournament was tomorrow.
Now, back to Sunday's game. My star of the game is starting pitcher Chris Reinike, who had been struggling of late. Chris threw 6+ innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10, a season and career high. Reliever Hank Thoms, earning his 5th save, pitched the final 3 innings of 0-run, 2-hit, 4-strikeout ball.
The hitting stars were junior right fielder Brian Wiese who was 4-for-5 with a home run and 4 RBI. Sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman was 3-for-4 with 1 RBI. Senior center fielder Brooks Bryan was 2-for-4. Junior second baseman Chris Lotterhos, who has been impressive of late, was 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored.
Bulldog Baseball Notes:
04/26/98 - Miss State (30-15, 10-12) defeated Georgia, 9 to 5, yesterday.
The entire lineup had at least one hit: Barry Patton 1-for-5 (home run), Travis Chapman 1-for-4, Brooks Bryan 1-for-4, Chris Lotterhos 2-for-3, Matt Peeples 1-for-1, Brian Wiese 1-for-3, Rusty Thoms 1-for-5, Brad Freeman 2-for-4, Richard Lee 2-for-3 (home run), Jon Knott 1-for-3. Richard Lee set a career record for RBI's of 240 with his 2-run home run in the 5th inning.
Jeremy Jackson, in one of his least effective outings even though he was consistently clocked in the 87-88 mph range during the second inning by a pro baseball scout, won the game, taking his record to 8-1 on the season. Closer Van Johnson, throwing the final 2.2 innings, picked up his 8th save of the season.
The attendance for the game was a season high 6,148. The Georgia and Miss State Bulldogs conclude the three-game SEC series with a 1 p.m. game today.
04/26/98 - The young Diamond Dawgs have their last afternoon scrimmage this Monday. Scrimmage time is normally around 3 p.m. Go out and see them if you get the chance.
04/26/98 - Did you know that former Diamond Dawg Gary Rath, now playing for the Albuquerque Dukes, the LA Dodger's Triple-A team, is 2-0 on the season with an exceptional 2.68 ERA? If you don't know anything about the Pacific Coast League, a 2.68 ERA is very, very unusual for that league. It is known for high averages and a lot of scoring.
04/25/98 - According to very well informed sources, Miss State will put in a bid to host a NCAA regional if they get into the SEC Tournament.
04/25/98 - Miss State (29-15, 9-12) defeated Georgia 5 to 4 last night.
Junior outfielder Brian Wiese went 2-for-3 to lead the Bulldogs in hitting. Sophomore pitcher Matt Ginter picked up the victory which brings his record to 3-3. Senior closer Van Johnson followed junior reliever Brian Compton to earn his 7th save of the season.
Miss State and Georgia continue their three-game weekend series today with game time 2 p.m.
BTW, it would definitely be worth your while to go on over to the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre and watch the 4th ranked men's tennis team in action against Middle Tennessee State. Match time is 1 p.m.
04/24/98 - Coach Raffo was seen at the Starkville Academy vs. Pillow Academy game Monday night. Rumor is they are looking at Cager Garner, Starkville Academy's senior catcher. He has a .521 average with 4.5 speed in the forty.
04/24/98 - Here are the channels and times (Central) for the show "MSU Baseball With Coach Pat McMahon."
Give it a look-see. It is an excellent show.
04/24/98 - Miss State and Georgia square off in a very critical SEC baseball series this weekend. The first game is tonight at 6:30. Be there! The MSU Diamond Dawgs need you.
04/24/98 - Need a confirmation. Have any of you heard that former New Hope High School first baseman Scott Atwood has hit 25 home runs so far this season and has been nominated for the Most Valuable Player award of the North Florida Junior College league? I was also told that Miss State, along with the Miami Hurricanes, the Mets and the White Sox. If anyone can confirm this, please email me.
04/23/98 - Miss State, now 28-15 for the season, defeated Southern Miss, 4-3.
The winning run was knocked in by freshman Jon Knott, who hit his 13th home run of the season. Sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman hit his 8th home run earlier in the game. Starting pitcher Chris Reinike allowed three runs in the first few innings, but relievers Brian Compton, Hank Thoms and Van Johnson shut the Golden Eagles out the rest of the way. Van set the career save record for Miss State with his 25th save, passing Scott Tanksley.
BTW, here is one bit of interesting news: The 15 largest crowds Southern Miss has drawn have all been against our Bulldogs. Thanks to all you south Mississippi Bulldog fans for supporting our Diamond Dawgs.
Miss State has now won 5 of it's last 6 games. State has 11 games left to play before the SEC Tournament. Of those 11 games, 8 are at home. This weekend's SEC series with Georgia is extremely crucial for MSU's SEC Tournament chances. It sure would be great if there are huge crowds at all three games. Super Bulldog Weekend and MSU Baseball: What more could you ask for? OK, it would have been nice to have a spring football game also. Maybe next year.
04/23/98 - Did you know that MSU freshman pitcher Tanner Brock would have been drafted higher in last year's MLB Amateur Draft if he hadn't declared early that he was going to MSU to play baseball? The MSU facilities and how much MSU stressed academics played a big part in Tanner's decision.
04/22/98 - Miss State (27-15) was defeated by Southern Miss, 6-1.
Freshman Mark Freed, now 5-3 on the season, took the loss. Mark threw 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4.
The Bulldogs were led at the plate by sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman who went 2 for 4 with a double. Junior outfielder Brian Wiese knocked in the only run for the Bulldogs with a run-scoring single in the top of the 5th.
The Bulldogs and Golden Eagles conclude this week's two-game set tonight at 6:30.
04/22/98 - For those of you who don't already know this, the players that don't make the 25-man SEC roster, redshirts and players who are working at new positions compete in game conditions scrimmages every Monday and Thursday afternoons around 3 p.m. Coach McMahon encourages fans to come out and watch our future Diamond Dawgs in action. If you can make these scrimmages, email me with your thoughts about the young Dawgs. You never know what you will see.
Some things my source noticed was catcher Ryan McGrath working out at first base. He also said to keep an eye on a young hard-throwing pitcher by the name of Tanner Brock.
04/22/98 - Andy Young, a hard-throwing (high 80's, low 90's) high school pitcher from Noxapater that Miss State is looking at is 6-0 on the season with 9 saves, 99 Ks in 45 innings and is hitting .535 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI. Andy, who reminds my source of former Bulldog Pete Young, is projected to go as high as the third round of this June's Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
04/21/98 - Southern Miss and Miss State play at USM tonight at 6:30. If you live in that area, go out and support the Diamond Dawgs.
04/21/98 - If any of you know of a high school baseball player who would like to be a Diamond Dawg, let him know that over 50% of the current MSU baseball players attended MSU's baseball camp at one time or the other. Going to summer camp is a great way for a youngster to get noticed by the college of his choice.
04/20/98 - Super Bulldog Weekend is this coming weekend. There will be three baseball games, men's tennis, women's softball, pig-cooking contest, and the new State Farm Super Saturday Fanfare. As usual, I expect a great time to be had by all. Make your plans to be at Mississippi State University this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
04/20/98 - The Miss State/Auburn baseball game was canceled due to poor field conditions.
04/20/98 - Here is some info received from the MSU Media Relations Department:
Richard Lee set MSU career records for doubles (60) and hit (300), becoming only the sixth player in SEC history to reach the 300-hit milestone. He has 238 career RBI, needing two to break the MSU record (239) set by current major league standout Rafael Palmeiro (1983-85). He was a second-team GTE-CoSIDA Academic All-American as a junior and is one of five MSU baseball players to qualify for this year's balloting.
Mississippi State captured its second SEC weekend series of the season, its first on the road and posted its first (rain-shortened) series sweep of the year, downing sixth-ranked Auburn in impressive fashion, winning 13-4 and 8-0. It marked MSU's second shutout of the year and its first in SEC competition since blanking Auburn by the same 8-0 score at Auburn in 1996. The twin wins capped a 4-0 week for the resurgent Bulldogs, who topped previously-ranked UAB 10-1 and 8-5 in the midweek and have now clawed their way back into the thick of a tight race for a berth in the eight-team SEC Tournament May 13-17 in Hoover, Ala.
Bulldog pitchers turned in a pair of eight-inning outings in the two-game set at Auburn, highlighted by junior southpaw Jeremy Jackson's six-hit blanking of Auburn. Jackson (7-1, 2.86), recently announced as the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, struck out eight and walked two in his most impressive outing of the season. Sophomore righthander Matt Ginter (2-3, 5.22) gave up eight hits and struck out a career-high-matching 10 in the Bulldogs' 13-4 win at Auburn.
Also of note, MSU senior relief pitcher Van Johnson (2-0, 2.97, 5 saves) appeared in all four MSU games the past week, tying the school career saves record with his 24th career save in MSU's 8-5 win over UAB (Apr. 15). Johnson allowed one hit and retired 11 of the 12 batters he faced in his four relief appearances. He's made 104 relief appearances at MSU.
With their two wins at Auburn, the Bulldogs have posted a 6-9 record against teams ranked in the top 10 at the time they've played Mississippi State (1-0 vs. LSU in the Winn-Dixie Showdown, 1-2 at LSU, 1-2 vs. Tennessee, 1-2 at Alabama, 0-3 at Florida and 2-0 at Auburn). MSU still has another three-game SEC series against a top 10-ranked opponent on the horizon, at South Carolina May 1-3.
04/18/98 - Once again, Miss State (27-14, 8-12) defeated the 10th ranked Auburn Tigers. This time by a score of 8-0. Jeremy Jackson (7-1) , lowering his ERA to 2.86 for the season, shut the Tigers down through 8 innings, allowing no runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. Jeremy also struck out 8 Tiger batters. Closer Van Johnson closed out the game by pitching the 9th innning.
The hitting stars were numerous: Catcher Barry Patton had 3 RBI on 1 hit and a sacrifice fly, first baseman Richard Lee knocked in 3 runs on 2 doubles, outfielder Rusty Thoms had 2 hits, shortstop Brad Freeman also had 2 hits, third baseman Travis Chapman also had a RBI on a base hit. BTW, did you know the pitcher MSU defeated had won 9 in a row coming into this game?
The defense also shined with great plays by second baseman Chris Lotterhouse, who has turned out to be an outstanding addition to this baseball team, Brad Freeman and outfielder Josh West.
The Bulldogs and Tigers conclude the SEC series Sunday at 1 p.m.
04/18/98 - Miss State, now 26-14 overall and 7-12 in the SEC, defeated Auburn 13-4 at Auburn. For full details go to the Official Miss State baseball site by clicking here.
04/18/98 - Here is future Diamond Dawg walk-on Jeremy Robinson's stats as of April 14th.
As you may remember from my 4/3/98 post, Jeremy is a 5-10, 160, 1B/P/OF from Benton Academy who is a life-long Bulldog fan.
04/18/98 - Another player that would like to be a Bulldog, or so I'm told, is North Florida Juco first baseman Scott Atwood, formerly of New Hope HS (Columbus, MS). Scott, all 6-5, 210-lbs of him, is tearing up the Florida Jucos with 20 home runs and a .480 batting average. The word through the grapevine is FSU and Florida are very interested and may offer a scholarship to him. If MSU wants him, they had better get on the ball and call him. I saw Scott play last summer. He does have good power.
04/17/98 - If you can, drive on down to Auburn and watch the games this weekend. I was told most of the roads into Auburn are four-lane.
04/17/98 - The word is Coach Pat McMahon would really love for MSU to host a regional for the great MSU fans. I was told he thinks the world of us fans and feels we deserve a regional. The only problem, and one that really bothers him I am told, is it looks like that possibility is no longer valid. I suspect, Coach Mac will correct any problems that we might have had this year and he will have the Diamond Dawgs back playing for the SEC crown next year. Expect him to do everything in his power to give the fans what they expect and deserve.
04/16/98 - Guys, this Bulldog baseball team (players and staff) is as frustrated as we are. They need your support more than ever. One way you can show this support is by faxing them an encouraging word to the Inn they will be staying at while playing Auburn this weekend. Send them an encouraging word by fax. The Holiday Inn's fax number is (334) 745--3933. Let them know you are behind them 100%.
04/16/98 - MSU assistant coach Tommy Raffo was seen at the Noxapater/Durant HS baseball game and seemed to have been very impressed with Noxapater's outstanding pitcher Andy Young.
04/16/98 - Miss State (25-14) defeated UAB, 8-5, to sweep the two-game series.
MSU first baseman Richard Lee tied Burke Masters as the career hit leader with one hit during yesterday's game. Brian Wiese continued hitting the ball well with 3 hits, two doubles and a home run. Brooks Bryan also hit a home run.
Hank Thoms was the winning pitcher for the Bulldogs.
Friday, MSU heads to Plainsman Park to take on the Auburn Tigers in a three-game SEC series.
04/15/98 - Miss State (24-14) defeated UAB, 10-1, behind the outstanding pitching of freshman Mark Freed.
Mark, now 5-2, threw 7.1 innings, allowing 0 runs on 4 hits and 0 walks. He also struck out 11, a season high for the Bulldog pitchers this season. What makes his preformance even more impressive is UAB came into the game hitting at a .350 pace.
The hitting stars were Richard Lee with 4 hits (now 1 hit from tying Burke Masters as the MSU career hit leader), including his 11th home run of the season and Brian Wiese who hit a double and two home runs, his 4th and 5th.
MSU and UAB conclude the two-game series today beginning at 3 p.m.
04/14/98 - Miss State and UAB square off tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m.
04/14/98 - Here are several pictures I took from this weekend's games:
Former Diamond Dawg Steve Hegan and members of his family, nephew Hayden Stegall, wife Tana and mother Dianne.
Barry Patton prior to the Saturday game.
Former Bulldog Keith Dilgard, Student Manager Matt Walker and pitcher Brett Wheeler. BTW Bonnie, Brett told me to tell you the car is really a great deal.
Here are some right field fans enjoying the Saturday game.
Jill Ferguson, MSU volleyball player, singing the national anthem.
Freshman Jon Knott heading into second base after hitting a double.
Freshman Josh West at bat during Friday's game.
Freshman Lee Parks enjoying a meal in the bullpen. Robyn, as you can see from this picture, Lee is making an effort to regain the weight he has lost.
Here are several players warming up prior to the game.
Richard Lee being congratulated after hitting a home run.
Travis Chapman getting one of his hits.
Van Johnson stretching prior to the game.
04/13/98 - Info from the Miss State Media Relations Department:
04/13/98 - West Point HS's centerfielder Derry Hammond signed with Miss State Friday, according to The Commercial Dispatch (Columbus, MS). Derry has hit 16 home runs in 28 games so far this season. Derry, who is 6-4, 215-lbs, will likely be a right fielder in college. According to his coach, former Bulldog Frank Portera, Derry "is absolutely, without a doubt in my opinion, the best prospect in high school that I have ever seen." Hammond anticipates being a high draft choice in June's Major League Amateur Draft and at that time he'll have a decision to make between going to MSU or turning professional. According to Derry, "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I'll think about it when the time comes. That's something my family and I and my coaches will have to think about." According to his coach, "he has all the ability to play (in the major leagues). He's a hard worker and he has the desire." Hammond said for now he's excited about playing for Miss State and he'll address his future when the time comes.
(Gene's comments - I have seen this kid play and agree with his coach. He is a tremendous talent with awesome home run power (I saw him hit a home run between 380-400 feet). Great arm and speed. He does have trouble hitting a good curveball (who doesn't). I talked to a scout about him last summer and he told me he was the best major league prospect in Mississippi as a junior and the scout anticipated Derrry would go in the 2nd or 3rd round of the MLB Draft after his senior year. He expected Derry would be a major leaguer someday. The scout really liked his power, speed and arm. He said he would probably never be a high batting avearge hitter, but his power would get him to the major leagues. I hate to say this but I really don't expect him to ever play for the Bulldogs. Hope I'm wrong.)
04/12/98 - In a very disappointing conclusion to a 3-game SEC series with Kentucky, Miss State (23-14, 6-12) lost to Kentucky 12 to 9.
For the past two days the pitching for Miss State had been very good but Sunday the pitching staff did not do their part. Even middle reliever Brian Compton was hit more than he had been for the past few games he had pitched in. Starting pitcher Chris Reinike, possibly not completely healthy, was hit hard as was reliever Hank Thoms. Even closer Van Johnson gave up a run in the 9th inning.
In defense of the MSU pitching staff, the Bulldog defense also left a lot ot be desired with several errors, including a crucial dropped popup which eventually allowed five unearned runs to cross the plate.
The hitting, while pretty good, was not there in the late innings, especially when a clutch hit was needed. The called third strikes were killers Sunday.
Overall, it was a bad day for the Bulldogs. They have really dug a deep hole for themselves if they want to make it to the NCAA Tournament. There is even the possibility they will not make it to the SEC Tournament unless they pick up the pace considerably.
04/11/98 - Kentucky (14-22, 4-14) defeated Miss State (23-13, 6-11) 3 to 2 Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldog pitching came through with another strong performance. Sophomore pitcher Matt Ginter pitched 6 innings of 4-hit ball, allowing 2 runs and 3 walks. Matt also struck out 8. Freshman Mark Freed (4-2), who suffered the lost, pitched 1.1 innings while allowing 1 run on 1 hit (home run) and 1 strikeout. Junior Scott Polk pitched the final 1.2 innings, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 2.
Although, overall, the Bulldog hitters have been in a team hitting slump, several Bulldogs had good offensive days Saturday. Junior leftfielder Brian Wiese was 2 for 3, senior first baseman Richard Lee, 1 for 2, hit a solo home run in the second inning, and sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman hit a solo home run in the 7th inning.
Tidbits from the game:
The Bulldogs and Wildcats conclude the series with the final game Sunday at 1 p.m. If healthy, look for junior pitcher Chris Reinike to start for the Bulldogs.
04/11/98 - Miss State (23-12, 6-10) defeated Kentucky (13-22, 3-13) 3 to 2 Friday night. Sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman had 2 hits and 2 RBI, including the game winner in the 8th. Other Bulldogs who had 2 hits were junior rightfielder Brian Wiese, senior leftfielder Rusty Thoms and senior catcher Barry Patton. Senior pitcher Jeremy Jackson, now 6-1 with the victory, allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7. Senior reliever Hank Thoms threw the final inning, earning his 4th save of the year.
Miss State, who will start sophomore pitcher Matt Ginter, and Kentucky continue their 3-game SEC series with a 2 p.m. game Saturday.
04/11/98 - During the game last night I got the chance to talk to former Diamond Dawg Steve Hegan and his very pretty wife Tana (Tana went to school with former Assistant Basketball Coach Owen Miller). Steve, who is a really nice guy, is now a sales rep for a publishing company and lives in Hattiesburg. He is doing well and looks like he could step on the field and play with the best of them.
04/09/98 - MSU and Kentucky play the first game of their 3-game SEC series Friday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Be there to support our Diamond Dawgs.
04/09/98 - Look for former MSU football player Sam Baker's brother Charles Baker (6-3, 185) to walk-on the baseball team next season. The word is he is an outstanding kid who loves MSU. I hope to have additional info (stats and position) on him in the very near future.
04/08/98 - In a thriller, Miss State (22-12) came from a 5-0 deficit to defeat UNO 7 to 6. Walk-on freshman sensation Jon Knott knocked in three runs in the 9th with a double and the winning run in the 10th. Other hitting stars were senior outfielder Rusty Thoms with three hits, senior first baseman Richard Lee two hits, junior outfielder Brian Wiese also two hits and sophomore third baseman Travis Chapman with two hits. Freshman pitcher Mark Freed started the game, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits while walking none in three innings. He also struck out 4. Junior reliever Scott Polk pitched 2 innings, giving up 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 1. Junior Brian Compton also threw 2 innings, allowing no runs on 1 hit and 1 walk. He struck out 3 batters. Closer Van Johnson, who earned the victory for the Bulldogs, pitched the final 3 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits while registering 4 Ks.
The Bulldogs now prepare for SEC foe Kentucky Wildcats who come into town this Friday night. The Friday night game, which is to be televised by Fox/SportSouth, will begin at 6:30 p.m.
04/07/98 - Click here to find a Dugout Club application. Do your part to help Miss State have the largest baseball booster club in the country by completing this form and mailing it in along with your $50.
04/07/98 - Miss State (21-12) defeated New Orleans (14-17) 8 to 6.
Hitting stars were senior first baseman Richard Lee who collected 2 hits including a home run, his 9th. Other Bulldogs who had two hits were junior outfielder Brian Wiese and senior catcher Barry Patton. Freshman DH Jon Knott hit his 10th home run of the year and had a sacrifice fly.
Sophomore starting pitcher Matt Ginter (1-3) and senior reliever Hank Thoms (3rd save) allowed 6 runs on 11 hits and 4 walks. They combined for 15 strikeouts.
The attendance was close to 1,600. Miss. State continues their homestand with the second game of this series Thursday at 3 p.m. Freshman lefthander Mark Freed will start for the Bulldogs.
04/07/98 - MSU senior pitcher Jeremy Jackson was selected as the SEC Male Scholar Athlete of the Year for the 1997/1998 academic year. He will be awarded a post-graduate scholarship of $10,000.
04/07/98 - MSU and New Orleans play tonight at 6:30 p.m.
04/06/98 - LSU defeated Miss State (20-12, 5-10), 11-5, Sunday. Senior first baseman led the Bulldogs with three hits, including a home run. Junior pitcher Chris Reinike was taken out of the game when he developed spasms in his back. Hopefully, it isn't too serious and he will be back pitching in a short time.
Miss State begins a 7-game homestand this Tuesday night. Game time is 6:30.
The following info comes from the Miss State Media Relations Department:
This week's schedule:
April 07 - vs. New Orleans (6:30 p.m. - Dudy Noble Field)
April 08 - vs. New Orleans (3 p.m. - Dudy Noble Field)
April 10 - vs. Kentucky (6:30 p.m. - Dudy Noble Field - Fox Sport South)
April 11 - vs. Kentucky (2 p.m. - Dudy Noble Field)
April 12 - vs. Kentucky (1 p.m. - Dudy Noble Field)
MSU split four games away from home over the week, downing in-state SEC rival Mississippi 6-2 in the 19th annual Mayor's Trophy Game in Jackson, Miss. (attendance 4,044), and then sandwiching an 8-3 win over No. 4 LSU in between a pair of losses to the Tigers (8-5 and 11-5) at Alex Box Stadium. State is now 4-9 (1-2 at home; 3-7 on road) vs. foes ranked in the top 10. MSU's schedule includes 6 more road games against teams that were ranked in last week's top 10 - at Auburn Apr. 17-19 and at South Carolina May 1-3.
MSU senior first baseman Richard Lee (.373 overall and .421 vs. SEC foes) enjoyed a productive weekend at the plate vs. LSU, collecting six hits (three doubles and his ninth home run) in 10 at-bats with a sacrifice fly and five RBI. Lee now ranks second in career hits (283) and career RBI (235), is tied for second with Dan Van Cleve (1981-85) in career doubles (55), is fourth in career at-bats (835), third in career total bases (455) and seventh in career runs (182), and is tied for seventh with Richie Grayum (1987-89) in career home runs (35).
After 32 games, MSU is still hitting at a .324 clip with 68 doubles, 11 triples and 48 home runs. State is averaging better than nine runs per game while the MSU pitching staff is averaging better than eight strikeouts per game. The Bulldogs, who entered the weekend having turned only 12 double plays in 29 games, registered six twin-killings at LSU.
04/05/98 - Miss State (20-11, 5-9) defeated LSU, 8-3, yesterday. Miss State starter,Jeremy Jackson was very effective, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing 3 runs (2 earned). Junior reliever Brian Compton, continuing to pitched extremely well, completely shut LSU's hitting down over the remaining 3.2 innings. BTW, LSU hit zero home runs, only the second time in two years that that has happened. Miss State junior outfielder Brian Wiese, a Baton Rouge native, hit the only home run of the game.
MSU and LSU conclude the series today beginning at 2 p.m.
04/04/98 - Miss State (19-11, 4-9) lost to LSU last night, 8-5. Senior catcher Barry Patton had three hits, including a 2-run home run. Freshman DH Jon Knott hit a solo home run, his 9th of the season. Sophomore reliever Kevin Donovan, now 2-1, lost the game. Scott Polk pitched 4.2 innings, allowing no runs.
MSU and LSU continue the series today at 2 p.m. The game will be televised on Fox/SportsSouth.
04/04/98 - Here is some more info on Jeremy Robinson. He is a good kid with a good attitude --- one of those dyed in the wool Bulldogs who could likely play elsewhere but wants to be a Dog!
04/03/98 - Look for Benton Academy baseball player Jeremy Robinson to walk-on next fall. Jeremy, who will be an invited walk-on, is a 5-10, 160-lb 1B/P/OF, who is described as a line drive hitter with some power.
04/03/98 - The Bulldogs play LSU tonight at 7 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium on the LSU campus.
04/02/98 - Don't forget the dinner with the MSU baseball team in McComb tonight. More details can be found on my MSU events skuttle-butt section.
04/02/98 - Miss State (19-10) defeated Ole Miss, 6-2, last night. Freshman Mark Freed (now 4-1) pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 2. Junior Chris Reinike pitched 1 inning, striking out the side. Junior Scott Polk pitched 1.2 innings, giving up 1 walk while striking out 2. Senior Hank Thoms pitched 1.2 innings (no hits, walks or runs, 2 Ks) to earn the save. Freshman DH Jon Knott continues to hit the ball well, getting 2 hits and leftfielder Rusty Thoms had 3 hits.
Miss State travels to LSU this weekend for a very important 3-game SEC series.
04/02/98 - Miss State baseball commitment Derry Hammond, of West Point HS (MS.), hit his 13th home run of the season (20 games) Tuesday night against Dandy Dozen pitcher Shane Bazzell, of New Hope HS. Don't be surprised if Derry, an outfielder, is drafted in the top 2 to 4 rounds of the upcoming Major League Amateur Baseball Draft this June.
04/01/98 - Riley Nelson needs tickets to the MSU/LSU games this weekend. If you have any you would like to sale, please contact Riley at hrn1@bully.net
04/01/98 - Miss State and Ole Miss play the Mayor Trophy Game tonight at Smith-Wills Stadium (Jackson, MS) beginning at 7 p.m. Remember, the game will be televised on Fox/SportsSouth.
04/01/98 - Don't forget about the dinner with the MSU baseball team this Thursday night in McComb, MS. Click here to read more about it.
04/01/98 - Click here to view a picture of a couple of Bulldog baseball fans.
