A fourth straight shutout helped #2 Mississippi State to a series-opening victory over Eastern Michigan on Friday evening at Dudy Noble Field. The offense scored 14 runs on 14 hits, while the pitching staff struck out 18 batters in the victory.
On the mound, Mississippi State (11-3) moved its scoreless streak to 36 innings and in the process set the modern-day school record for consecutive scoreless innings. The previous best was 30 innings by the 1976 squad that spanned four games, which included three straight shutouts. The four straight shutouts mark the second-longest streak in program history, trailing only the 1909 team’s five-game streak.
Offensively, 10 different Diamond Dawgs collected hits, led by freshman Lane Forsythe’s 3-for-4 day at the plate. Second-year freshman Kamren James and junior Tanner Allen each collected two hits and James plated three RBIs. Allen and Logan Tanner each drove in two runs. Sophomore Brayland Skinner walked in his first career plate appearance as a Diamond Dawg, while Kyte McDonald added his third double of the season after entering as a defensive replacement in the eighth.
Mississippi State head baseball coach Chris Lemonis spoke about the win following the game. Video is courtesy of the SEC.