Last weekend, Mississippi State baseball did the absolute bare minimum that was necessary to keep any conversation of reaching the postseason relevant by taking a home series against South Carolina. Winning two of three against a bad Gamecocks team didn't suddenly make the Bulldogs any better off than they were, but it kept them afloat for the season.
Now though, we can look back on that series win as a much-needed spark for Chris Lemonis' ballclub and the potential start of a legitimate turnaround. That's because this weekend, the Diamond Dawgs went on the road to face a Top 15 Alabama team, and for the first time this season, they looked like a team capable of battling within the SEC.
Strong pitching leads Bulldogs to road series victory over ranked Alabama
Mississippi State took two of three from the Tide in Tuscaloosa this weekend. The Bulldogs secured a run-rule, 13-3 win Friday night, fell 4-1 on Saturday, and took the series with a 4-2 win in Sunday's rubber match. While the bats were hot for MSU on Friday, it was mostly the Diamond Dawg pitching staff that shined in T-Town.
Ace Pico Khon had a so-so start Friday night, but Stone Simmons was outstanding in relief, striking out five and allowing no runs in four innings to help MSU get the run-rule win. Evan Siary and Ben Davis both pitched well Saturday despite the Bulldogs' taking the loss. And for the second-straight Sunday, State was dominant on the mound, as Karson Ligon, Chase Hungate, and Nate Williams combined for 10 strikeouts and allowed just two hits. Both Crimson Tide runs on Sunday were unearned.
This pitching staff is rounding into form. We know State has plenty of talent at the plate too. If the Diamond Dawgs can get complete performances in both facets more consistently going forward, this team can make some noise.
Painting Mississippi State baseball's path to a regional isn't overly difficult
It was mentioned entering the Alabama series that a plausible path to the postseason did exist for Mississippi State despite just three SEC wins. Even if State had just taken one game in Tuscaloosa, it wouldn't have taken being a total sunshine pumper to sell yourself that a run could happen, so long as State looked competent in the series.
By winning the series though, the conversation becomes even more justified. The Diamond Dawgs are 22-14 overall and 5-10 in the SEC. Their RPI has climbed up to 37. They're 27th in strength of schedule, haven't suffered any poor losses, and now have some strong wins thanks to this weekend's performance. They simply need wins.
Five SEC series remain for State. Three look extremely winnable between Florida, Kentucky, and at Missouri. At Auburn and home vs Ole Miss will be tough, but this weekend showed MSU can compete with quality opponents. If they can go 9-6 in those games (not unreasonable) to get to 14 SEC wins, they'll safely make a regional. They need a series win in Starkville next weekend over the Gators to turn this positive momentum into a legitimate run.