Mississippi State began regional play 1-0 after an 11-2 victory over Northeastern in Tallahassee. One of the stars of the night was surprising starting pitcher Ben Davis. No one imagined he'd be the choice in game one, but he delivered an outstanding start, allowing just one earned run in 5.0 innings of work.
Everyone assumed the decision to pitch Ben Davis over typical Friday night ace Pico Khon or another weekend starter was some grand scheme by Justin Parker. Clearly if he was making this move it was because he knew Davis would matchup perfectly against the Northeastern lineup, and MSU could then save its top arms for the winners' bracket.
With the way game one went, that plan seemed to have worked to perfection. Davis had a great outing, the Bulldogs cruised to a win using just two pitchers, and now State could face FSU with their own ace available to take the mound.
After the win, however, Justin Parker revealed the real reason he chose to go with Ben Davis Friday night, and it didn't exactly leave anyone feeling good about State going forward in Tallahassee.
Justin Parker says Ben Davis' start was "health-related", Saturday starter not yet decided
According to Robbie Faulk of On3 Sports, when Justin Parker was asked about his decision to start Ben Davis, Parker said the move was "health-related" and that he couldn't comment on that. Later in his press conference, he would say that he has not made a decision on his pitching plan for Saturday's matchup against Florida State.
Justin Parker said that Ben Davis got the start as a "health-related" move and said he couldn't comment further. Also has not decided on a starter tomorrow.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulkOn3) May 31, 2025
No grand scheme here. Clearly, one of Mississippi State's top arms is dealing with some sort of health issue, meaning the Bulldogs could end up being at a disadvantage for the remainder of the regional. Parker stated they were "tracking" whatever the issue is and at least suggested that whichever player is dealing with it isn't entirely ruled out. But either way, a wrench has been thrown in their plans.
State ideally needs to be at full-strength on the mound Saturday. Florida State will be throwing a potential Top 5 MLB Draft pick in Jamie Arnold, and the Noles have an explosive lineup capable of putting a big number on the board. If MSU can't throw one of their own top arms against FSU, the Bulldog lineup may need to produce another massive day against a high-level pitcher.