Softball Drops Pair Of Games On Saturday

Saturday, February 11

Boca Raton, Fla.

10:30 AM

Mississippi State

3-2

Stony Brook

1-1

Stony Brook

Mississippi State

Softball Drops Pair Of Games On Saturday

February 11, 2023 | Softball

Box Score Iowa Box Score (PDF)Stony Brook Box Score (PDF)Photo Gallery

By: Brian Ogden, Associate Director/Communications

BOCA RATON, Fla. – No. 23 Mississippi State dropped a pair of tight ballgames to close its time at the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida. The Bulldogs (3-2) were shut out, dropping a 2-0 game to Iowa and a 1-0 contest to Stony Brook.

Only one of the three runs allowed on Saturday was earned. Against Iowa (3-0), an overthrow at first base that may have ended the inning allowed the Hawkeyes' two runs to score. It was ruled that the batter would have likely beaten the throw to first, so the first of the two runs was earned. Against Stony Brook (1-1), however a two-out error brought home the game's only score.

"Tough outing today," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "I thought the pitchers really looked sharp all weekend. The really did a good job of giving us a chance. We have to be able to pick them up with our bats and with our defense. We can't go away on both of those fronts, and that's what got us today. We're definitely going home with a lot to work on and, hopefully, a renewed focus and understanding that it's a long season. It's going to take focus, intentionality and a lot of urgency from everyone involved to get us going back on track with where we want to be."

The Bulldogs had opportunities in both games, stranding 14 runners between the two. State's best chance in the game with Iowa came in the fifth inning after Aquana Brownlee drew a one-out walk and Brylie St. Clair singled. However, the top of the lineup produced to straight ground outs to end the threat.

Against Stony Brook, the Bulldogs opened the first inning with a hit, but back-to-back fielder's choices eliminated the lead runners to keep a lid on the offense. In the fourth inning, State again put runners on first and second, but Brownlee and St. Clair delivered a fielder's choice and a foul pop up that ended the inning.

Quick Hitters

Reis Beuerlein – Threw 1.0 inning in relief against Iowa without allowing a hit … opened her career with three appearances on the weekend, striking out seven in 6.2 innings and not allowing an earned run.

Kenley Hawk – Allowed one earned run in 5.0 innings against Iowa … struck out four.

Riley Hull – Has now walked seven times in the first five games of the year … has just eight official at-bats this season … walked three times in six plate appearances today … added a hit against Stony Brook. … caught a runner stealing against the Seawolves.

Macy Graf – Started her college career going 7-for-11 … also stole two bases on the weekend.

Chloe Malau'ulu – Led the team with a .765 slugging percentage on the weekend, including a double, triple and homer … also led the team with six RBIs.

Brylie St. Clair – Singled in her only at-bat against Iowa … also laid down a sacrifice bunt … now riding a career-long eight-game hitting streak and career-long eight-game reached base streak dating back to last season.

Aspen Wesley – Threw MSU's first complete game this season on 78 pitches … struck out six hitters and walked none … only run allowed was unearned … totaled 11 strikeouts across 10.1 innings this weekend.

Iowa Scoring Recap

Bottom 3
Echo Mattiello and Nia Carter opened the inning with back-to-back infield singles. Tatianna Roman hit into a fielder's choice that saw the shortstop retire Mattiello at third. Tory Bennett then grounded out to third to advance the runners to second and third. Denali Loecker was on her way to beating out a single to third base to score Carter when the throw to first sailed over first base, allowing Roman to also come home.
No. 23 Mississippi State 0, Iowa 2

Stony Brook Scoring Recap

Top 3
With two outs, Shauna Nuss singled into left field and then stole second. Alicia Orosco beat out a bunt single that allowed Nuss to advance to third. Nuss scored when Kyra McFarland reached on an error by the third baseman.
Stony Brook 1, No. 23 Mississippi State 0

On Deck

The Bulldogs return to Florida next week for the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational hosted by ESPN Events. State is set to play Indiana, No. 12 Arizona, Michigan, South Florida and No. 18 UCF, and all games will be available on ESPN platforms.

Follow the Bulldogs

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."