Bulldogs Fall to Texas A&M in Series Opener
Once again, the fourth inning continues to plague Mississippi State as the Aggies hang five runs in the fourth to sink the Bulldogs. Over the last three ball games, the Bulldogs have allowed at least five runs in the fourth. Konnor Pilkington struggled with his command early in the match up, eventually leading to his departure in 3.1 innings — where he allowed eight runs to cross the plate. At one point, Pilkington threw ten consecutive balls, and walked in a run which brought Peyton Plumlee into the ball game. The first batter Plumlee faced, Braden Shewmake, hit a grand slam to deep right field (which was obviously hit foul) that gave A&M an 8–2 advantage.
Texas A&M held a 3–0 lead going into the top of the fourth inning, where the Bulldogs plated a pair to close the gap at 3–2. Unfortunately, Mississippi State left a pair on base and A&M never looked back.
Texas A&M was able to ultimately win the ball game by a score of 9–2 and take a 1–0 lead in this pivotal weekend series. Pitchers Payton Plumlee, Jacob Barton, and Brant Blaylock closed the game out for the bulldogs. The bulldogs will return to Blue Bell Park tomorrow at 6:30 on SECN+ for game two of the series.
