The anatomy of a no-hitter is usually pretty simple: really good pitching along with timely – and at times sparkling – defense. On Sunday, Mississippi State baseball mixed in little of all of that for the program’s first no-hitter since 1999 and a 13-0 victory to earn the series win over Kent State at Dudy Noble Field.
Four pitchers combined for the first no-hitter in 22 years, as freshman Jackson Fristoe tossed 6 perfect innings in his 3rd career start. After 8 strikeouts, Fristoe gave way to second-year freshman Landon Sims who worked a scoreless 7th with one walk allowed. Freshman Mikey Tepper fired 1 2/3 innings with 3 strikeouts, before sophomore Cam Tullar walked a batter and then got a pop out to end to wrap up the no hitter.
The 1999 no-hitter came on March 16 against Alcorn State in a 21-1 victory, as Scott Polk, Justin Estel and Brian Compton combined on the feat. Against the Braves, Polk allowed an unearned run over six innings pitched with two walks and nine strikeouts. Estel fired one inning and walked one, while Compton walked one and struck out three in two innings of work.
Mississippi State head baseball coach Chris Lemonis and Jackson Fristoe spoke about the no-hitter, and the win, postgame. Video is courtesy of the SEC.