Mississippi State Baseball Off to Strong Start in 2025 Season

News Summary

The 2025 Mississippi State baseball season kicked off with a successful series sweep against Manhattan. The No. 19 Bulldogs achieved a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing strong performances, including a doubleheader with impressive run-rule victories. Coach Chris Lemonis celebrated his 350th career win, and players like Pico Kohn and Aaron Downs made significant contributions on the field. With an exciting matchup against Southern Miss on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the season unfolds.

Exciting Start for Mississippi State Baseball in 2025 Season

Starkville, Mississippi – Baseball fans, the wait is over! The 2025 Mississippi State baseball season kicked off in style as the No. 19 Bulldogs showcased their skills in a fantastic series sweep against the Manhattan Jaspers at the iconic Dudy Noble Field. After an exhilarating weekend, the Bulldogs wrapped up their opening series with a perfect 3-0 record.

Doubleheader Dominance

The thrill began on a sun-soaked Friday with a dramatic doubleheader, where the Bulldogs made quick work of Manhattan, winning both games through the impressive run-rule. In the first match, it felt like the Mississippi State hitters were in a groove, sending waves of runs across the plate. Remarkably, they racked up an astounding 14 runs in just the first three innings! Fans could hardly catch their breath as every single one of the nine batters had a plate appearance during that explosive start.

Pico Kohn, who took to the mound for the Bulldogs, certainly earned himself a place in the spotlight. He struck out the side in the very first inning and displayed some masterful pitching for five full frames, ending with an eye-popping career-high 11 strikeouts, while allowing no runs and only one hit. Manhattan did manage to break through in the seventh inning with three runs, but Mississippi State had already established its dominance.

Historic Milestone for Coach Lemonis

Friday was not just about the wins; it also marked a significant milestone for head coach Chris Lemonis, who celebrated his 350th career win after the second game of the doubleheader. This achievement was commemorated with a special presentation by athletic director Zac Selmon before Sunday’s game, further elevating the weekend’s festivities.

Sunday Funday

As we moved into Sunday’s action, the excitement dialed up a notch. The Bulldogs faced a tougher challenge as they trailed for the first time in the series. Manhattan snagged an early lead with an RBI single from Andre Lewis in the second inning. However, Mississippi State remained undeterred, responding swiftly with a masterclass comeback.

Starting pitcher Karson Ligon quickly settled in, pitching three scoreless innings to regain the momentum for his team. Not to be outdone, the Bulldogs went on to score 13 unanswered runs, showcasing their tenacity and determination. Aaron Downs played a pivotal role in Game 1 with a whopping four RBIs, including a thrilling three-run home run.

Reed Stallman stepped into the limelight in the final game, capping off the victory with a sensational three-run homer. And it didn’t end there! Designated hitter Nolan Stevens hit a two-run blast in the sixth inning of Game 2, solidifying the Bulldogs’ hold on the game. To top it off, pitcher Stone Simmons made a grand return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, making his season debut with three scoreless innings.

Looking Ahead

As this exciting weekend wraps up, Mississippi State baseball fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. The Bulldogs are set to face Southern Miss in a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday at 6 p.m., which will stream live on ESPN+. After that, they’ll be back at Dudy Noble Field for a thrilling three-game series against Missouri State starting this Friday.

With no reported injuries and the team flying high after a successful series, it looks like the 2025 season for the Mississippi State Bulldogs is off to an exhilarating start! Be sure to catch the action as the season unfolds!

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Additional Resources

• Hail State: No. 18 State Caps Off Opening Weekend Sweep
• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State vs. Manhattan Live Updates
• Ole Miss Sports: Run Rules No. 15 Clemson
• Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball 2025
• Ole Miss Sports: 2025 Gameday Enhancements
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball