By Hudson Coombs
Mississippi State, Miss. (Take 30 News)--- The Mississippi State baseball team defeated the Oregon State Beavers during a weekend series at Dudy Noble Field, despite losing star pitcher, J.T. Ginn, to an injury earlier in the week.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs were able to win Friday’s game, six to two, and Saturday's game, seven to four, but did not complete the sweep after losing to the Beavers on Sunday, seven to two. According to the university's athletic website, hailstate.com, a total of 28,540 fans were at Dudy Noble Field this past weekend while Saturday’s attendance of 12,034 fans set a Mississippi State baseball attendance record for the month of February.
Take 30 Sports spoke with current Mississippi State student and baseball fan, Riley Fitzpatrick, on the importance of a win like this so early in the season. He believes that this win will help the team in the long run.
“I mean I think it’s huge to come out against a quality opponent this early in the year and be ready to go,” Fitzpatrick said, “and, you know, keep fighting in every game and just get a resume builder this early in the season. I feel pretty good going forward and yeah I think they should feel pretty good about things and I definitely do think it sets the tone for SEC play as we continue to bring quality opponents in here.”
Mississippi State head coach, Chris Lemonis was disappointed that his team couldn’t complete the sweep but is optimistic about the future.
“I just, the first two days I was happy with and today we got beat,” Lemonis said. “Oregon State outplayed us in every phase of the game and we got beat. You know, two out of three is good, but just you know when you lose on Sunday it leaves a little bit of a bad taste in your mouth. We’re facing a lot of really good arms right now. I mean even the first weekend and this weekend. We faced two really good teams who defend so there’s not a lot. I guess yesterday’s game we had some freebies, but it feels like everything we are doing right now, we have to earn. Which is good and it’ll help us in the long run.”
As the season continues, the team will look to continue their dominance of early-season opponents as SEC play approaches.