Mississippi State defeats Georgia in first game of SEC Tournament

Behind Brent Rooker and Konnor Pilkington, Andy Cannizaro gets his first SEC Tournament victory in a 3-0 win over the Georgia Bulldogs.

On a hot Wednesday morning in Hoover, in a game that was delayed until this morning, Mississippi State shutout Georgia to start off their SEC Tournament run.

Georgia took two-of-three from Mississippi State two weekends ago, but Mississippi State came into Hoover looking to redeem themselves.

Brent Rooker continued his magical season, Konnor Pilkington threw well all day, and Riley Self came in for the save in the ninth.

It was none other than the great Brent Rooker that quickly started things off for the Maroon and White Bulldogs. Rooker slammed the third pitch of his first at-bat over the left field fence on a two-run shot.

The SEC Player of the Year continues his impressive season, improving his race to the Triple Crown. Andy Cannizaro say it has been “cool to watch” Rooker’s historic 2017 campaign.

Rooker’s 21st home-run of the year pushed State in front — a lead that they did not give up all day. He later scored on a Hunter Vansau sacrifice fly in the third.

Mississippi State was able to get on base throughout the game, but stranded many opportunities with runners in scoring position. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs recorded eleven hits on the day.

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Pilkington pitched a full eight innings for the Bulldogs, striking out six batters. After his first two innings, Pilkington found his groove and retired fifteen consecutive hitters. His impressive day made sure that the missed opportunities at the plate did not come back to haunt State in a single-elimination game. Riley Self came in for the save in the ninth inning to help the Bulldogs move to double-elimination play.

Fifth-seeded Mississippi State plays fourth-seeded Arkansas tomorrow morning at 9:30 local time. The game will be aired on the SEC Network.

Hail State!