No. 14 Mississippi State secured an 8-4 victory over Memphis thanks to Morgan Bernardini's grand slam, marking the team's continued strong performance with an 11-0 record. The Bulldogs rallied after initially trailing, scoring seven runs in the third inning fueled by Kiarra Sells' three-run homer. Memphis attempted a comeback with three runs from back-to-back homers in the fourth, but the Bulldogs' pitching held firm thereafter. Coach Samantha Ricketts praised the team's response to the early deficit and highlighted the importance of team-at-bats in their victory.

By the Numbers
  • MSU scored five or more runs in 10 of its 11 games this season.
  • Leila Ammon struck out six batters in five innings, with 22 strikeouts over her last three appearances.
  • Morgan Bernardini's grand slam was the 61st in program history; she now has nine RBIs this season.
State of Play
  • MSU remains undefeated at 11-0, showcasing offensive power with multiple homers in crucial moments.
  • Peja Goold achieved her 500th career strikeout and remained effective in closing out the game without allowing a base runner.
  • Kiarra Sells leads the team with four home runs and extended her reached-base streak to eight games.
What's Next

The Bulldogs will host the Bulldog Invitational from February 20-22, featuring five games against Belmont, Samford, and Delaware State. The tournament kicks off with a matchup against Belmont, showcasing two of the top national pitching staffs this season.

Bottom Line

Mississippi State continues its strong start to the season with a potent lineup and effective pitching, setting a tone for their upcoming challenges in the Bulldog Invitational. The team's ability to rally and perform under pressure highlights its potential for a successful season.