Mississippi State
Arizona
No. 18 MSU Unable To Complete Comeback
March 01, 2025 | Baseball
HOUSTON – No. 18 Mississippi State got the tying and go-ahead runs into scoring position in the bottom of the ninth but were unable to complete the rally, falling 6-5 to Arizona on Saturday in the second game of the Astros Foundation College Classic.
The Diamond Dawgs (7-3) outhit Arizona 9-8 in the contest. Ace Reese topped MSU going 3-for-4 at the dish with a pair of homers, a double and drove in three.
Ross Highfill went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI while Bryce Chance and Aaron Downs both doubled.
State's pitching staff struck out 18 Wildcat batters and only walked one. Karson Ligon suffered the loss, dropping to 1-1 on the year.
With the win, Arizona improved to 7-3.
On Deck: Mississippi State conclude the Astros Foundation College Classic at Daikin Park on Sunday against Oklahoma State at 2:05 p.m. Graduate right-hander Stone Simmons (2-0, 1.29 ERA) is set to start on the mound for the Bulldogs. The Cowboys have yet to announce their pitching plans.
Sunday's game will be streamed free of charge on Astros.com as well as the Astros' X, Facebook and YouTube Channels. It will also be televised on Space City Home Network in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Game Notes:
- Ryan McPherson claimed a new single-game strikeout high after he rung up six Wildcats.
- Reese hit two bombs to record a new single-game home run high. He leads the team with five round-trippers.
- Dane Burns recorded four strikeouts to reach a new single-game career high.
- Mikhai Grant obtained a new single-game career high after striking out three batters.
Scoring Summary:
Top 1st
Mason White hit a two-run homer.
MSU 0, UA 2
Bottom 1st
Reese hit a solo home run.
MSU 1, UA 2
Top 2nd
Tommy Splaine scored on a hit by pitch with the bases loaded.
Brendan Summerhill and Easton Breyfogle scored on a single by White.
MSU 1, UA 5
Bottom 4th
Reese hit a single homer.
MSU 2, UA 5
Bottom 5th
Downs scored on a ground out.
MSU 3, UA 5
Top 6th
Andrew Cain scored on a single by Splaine.
MSU 3, UA 6
Bottom 6th
Chance scored on a double by Reese.
MSU 4, UA 6
Bottom 7th
Highfill scored on a single by Gehrig Frei.
MSU 5, UA 6
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