After a dominating victory over San Diego State and an upset by Jackson State over UL Lafayette, Mississippi State squared off against the Tigers of Jackson State and won 3-1.
Ben Bracewell started on the bump for the Bulldogs and had a solid night. He struck out four and gave up a run in 3 2/3 innings, but the one who stole the show was Bracewell's replacement, Jonathan Holder. "Johnny Baseball" struck out a career high nine batters and gave up only one hit in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Holder picked up the win and improves his record to 7-1.
Jonathan Holder Struck Out Nine in Mississippi State's 3-1 NCAA Win Over Jackson State
After hitting the clutch triple that scored three yesterday, Jake Vickerson had another stellar day at the plate, going 2-4 and scoring a run. Other good days included Brett Pirtle who went 2-3, Cody Brown who went 1-4 with a RBI and a run scored, and Gavin Collins, going 1-4 with a RBI and a run scored.
After a scoreless 1st, the Bulldogs got on the board first in the 2nd by a sac fly from Matthew Britton, scoring Cody Brown. Jackson State fought back with a run of their own in the 4th from a bases loaded walk. The Bulldogs were able to get the lead back in the 6th off of a RBI single by Gavin Collins which scored Jake Vickerson and a fielder's choice by Cody Brown which scored Gavin Collins. The rest of the ballgame was a pitching battle and Mississippi State pulled it out.
In the other side of the regional, UL Lafayette defeated San Diego State 9-2, eliminating the Aztecs, and giving UL Lafayette a matchup against Jackson State in the elimination game.
Mississippi State improves to 39-22 and will play the winner of the Jackson State - UL Lafayette matchup at 6:00 PM on ESPN3 Sunday in the regional final.
