Mississippi State secured a 5-3 win over the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Apr. 7 at Dudy Noble Field. The Diamond Dawgs, ranked ninth, used early home runs and a strong bullpen to maintain their lead throughout the game.
The victory is important for Mississippi State as it improves their record to 26-7 and demonstrates the team’s ability to respond under pressure. Early offensive contributions from Ace Reese and Jacob Parker helped set the tone for the game.
Bryce Chance began the first inning with a double before Reese hit a two-run homer, giving Mississippi State an early advantage. After UAB narrowed the gap with a solo home run in the third inning, Parker responded with another two-run shot for Mississippi State. UAB continued to challenge by scoring single runs in both the fourth and fifth innings but could not overtake Mississippi State’s lead.
Chris Billingsley started on the mound for Mississippi State, allowing two runs over three and two-thirds innings before turning things over to the bullpen. Jack Gleason earned his third win of the season while Ben Davis closed out in the ninth for his fourth save. Offensively, Frei, Reese, and Vytas Valincius each recorded two hits; Valincius also added an eighth-inning triple.
UAB managed eight hits but left eleven runners stranded as Mississippi State’s relievers worked out of several jams during crucial moments of play.
Mississippi State will next host Tennessee for a three-game series beginning Friday at Dudy Noble Field.
