Mississippi State has been known for coming from behind to pull out a victory this season. In a late surge, the Bulldogs did it again versus the Troy Trojans on Tuesday evening.
Coming off of a disappointing weekend against Georgia in Athens, Mississippi State welcomed the Troy Trojans into Dudy Noble Field on a warm Tuesday night in Starkville.
Things did not go as planned, at least at the beginning.
The Trojans jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead after scoring five runs in the third inning. The fourth frame was not any better, as Troy added four more runs to lead 8-4 going into the fifth.
Things finally started going the Bulldogs’ way in the sixth inning. After Luke Alexander and Hunter Stovall reached first and second base respectively, it was none other than Brent Rooker that drove in two big runs on a double.
A two-out double for @Brent_Rooker19 makes it a one-run game in the sixth!#HailState pic.twitter.com/n3s3129dV2
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) May 17, 2017
Rooker, batting second for Andy Cannizaro in a new line-up, has shown a clutch gene all season. The two out double gave life to the Bulldogs — a team that needed any momentum that they could get after the previous 23 innings dating back to Athens.
Mangum, batting third in the line-up, drove in another run to knot things up at 8 in the sixth inning.
TIE BALLGAME! @jakemangum15 delivers an RBI single to knot this one up at 8!#HailState pic.twitter.com/1EKjqxFQqb
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) May 17, 2017
Finally, Mississippi State completed their 22nd comeback of the season. In the eighth, the Bulldogs brought home two more runs to push the team in Maroon in front. Mangum continued batting well in his new batting order, and Cody Brown makes plays when the team needs it most.
WE HAVE THE LEAD!!! @jakemangum15 singles up the middle to give State the 9-8 lead in the 8th!#HailState pic.twitter.com/PzNuNvgKvA
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) May 17, 2017
10-8 STATE! @Downtwn_C_brown singles through the right side to score Mangum & extend the lead!#HailState pic.twitter.com/vchpbBJURt
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) May 17, 2017
Cannizaro’s adjustments at the plate seems to have given the offense a fresh breath — scoring ten runs in a come-from-behind victory. With Gridley leading off, Rooker moved up to second, and Mangum batting right after, Mississippi State will force the opponent to pick their poison when pitching to the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State is back in action Thursday night against LSU in a crucial series that has major SEC West and conference implications. Game one will air at 6 p.m. local time from the Dude. Be there.