Gridley Home Run Not Enough For MSU In Opener

Thursday, May 18

Starkville

6:00 PM

Mississippi State

34-20, 17-11

#5 LSU

37-17, 19-9

LSU

Mississippi State

Ryan Gridley led off the first inning with a solo home run to left for his sixth home run of the season.

Gridley Home Run Not Enough For MSU In Opener

May 18, 2017 | Baseball

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STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State's Ryan Gridley got his team started on a strong note with a leadoff home run Thursday night.

However, the Bulldogs could not muster another score, as No. 8 MSU dropped a 3-1 decision to No. 5 LSU in the opening game of a three-game Southeastern Conference series at Dudy Noble Field.

The Bulldogs managed six hits but stranded 12 base runners. MSU failed to capitalize leaving the bases loaded in both the sixth and seventh innings against a tiring LSU ace Alex Lange.

With the win, LSU clinched at least a share of the SEC's Western Division championship this season. The Bulldogs can battle back to share the division title by winning the final two games of this series.

LSU is 37-17 overall and 19-9 in league play, while MSU is 34-20 and 17-11.

"This was great a college baseball game as we have played in this entire season," head coach Andy Cannizaro said. "I thought we played hard. We played well defensively. Alex Lange was outstanding. We just couldn't get the big hit with runners in scoring position."

Konnor Pilkington (6-5) threw a quality start for the Bulldogs, allowing six hits and two runs (both earned), with one strikeout and four walks. Peyton Plumlee pitched the final three innings, allowing two hits and one run (earned).

"Konnor battled tonight," Cannizaro said. "He wasn't necessarily sharp. He battled and only gave up two runs. We really fought hard. I love our chances tomorrow."

After Gridley's home run in the first inning, LSU answered with two scores in the fourth inning and tacked on a critical insurance score in the eighth inning.

Lange (7-5) worked seven innings, allowing six hits and one run (earned), with 11 strikeouts and five walks. Zack Hess and Hunter Newman (ninth save) pitched an inning apiece in relief for the Tigers.

LSU pulled even on a sacrifice fly by Josh Smith. The Tigers grabbed the lead for good on a two-out single by Zach Watson.

MSU finished with six hits. Gridley and Brent Rooker each had two hits from the top two spots in the Bulldogs order.

Antoine Duplantis had two of LSU's eight hits.

The Bulldogs and Tigers will retake the field on Friday for a 6:30 p.m. CT first pitch, with the game to air on SEC Network+ via WatchESPN.com and the Watch ESPN app. Prior to first pitch, the fans who built the best atmosphere in college baseball will be honored as part of the Dudy Noble Field Celebration Series festivities. Those in attendance are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:05 p.m. for the pregame ceremony.

For more information on the Diamond Dawg program, follow the program on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateBB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."