It was another busy weekend for Mississippi State athletics. Here's the latest news around Bulldog sports!
Baseball wins series against Alabama
Mississippi State baseball had another strong weekend. The Diamond Dawgs took two of three from Alabama to clinch their third-straight SEC series win. State won easily in their Friday and Saturday games before dropping the series finale on Sunday. Starting pitchers Khal Stephen and Jurrangelo Cijntje continued fantastic play while Logan Kholer had a huge weekend at the plate. With the series win, MSU continues to better their case to host a regional in Starkville.
Softball closes regular season with series win, earns 6-seed in SEC Tournament
Mississippi State softball took the series from #14 Georgia to close out the regular season. They won 2-0 and 2-1 on Friday and Sunday, respectively, behind the arm of Aspen Wesley. The senior ace threw two complete games, striking out 16 total batters and allowing just one run. Wesley earned SEC Pitcher of the Week honors for her performance.
State finished the regular season 33-17 overall and 12-12 in the SEC, their most conference wins since 2008. They earned the 6-seed in the SEC Tournament, held this year at Auburn. They'll take on 11-seed South Carolina Wednesday night at 7:00 pm CT in the First Round.
Men's basketball adds transfer from Georgia
Chris Jans added another important piece to his 2024-2025 roster. Georgia-transfer RJ Melendez committed to Mississippi State over the weekend.
#hailstate🐶 pic.twitter.com/DYruZCM93s
— RJ Melendez (@MelendezRamses) May 4, 2024
The 6'7" guard averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds for UGA last season. He posted 35 points in an overtime loss to Florida. Melendez began his career at Illinois. With his commitment, MSU has two more open scholarship spots available.
Football picks-up another pass-catcher
Mississippi State football added another receiver for Blake Shapen to target this fall. New Mexico State transfer Trent Hudson became the third transfer WR to join MSU since Jeff Lebby was hired.
New Mexico State transfer WR and former JUCO All-American Trent Hudson has committed to Mississippi State
— HailStateMuse (@HailStateMuse) May 5, 2024
Hudson hauled in 35 receptions for 551 yards and 10 TDs last season, and was tied for the 3rd most redzone touchdowns by a WR with 8 👀 DIMETIME 🎯pic.twitter.com/pKhzGE66FA
The 6'3" pass-catcher recorded 10 TDs for the Aggies in 2023. He gives State more of a big-body on the outside to target in the redzone, which was the lone trait previously lacking in the receiver room. State's offense is looking more and more exciting going into 2024.
Men's Tennis returns to Sweet 16
Mississippi State men's tennis is back in the Sweet 16. In the Starkville Regional, the Bulldogs defeated Alabama State 4-0 in the First Round and Middle Tennessee State 4-0 in the Second Round to advance to the second weekend. This is the fifth time in the last six years MSU men's tennis has advanced to the Sweet 16. They will face 1-seed Ohio State on Saturday.