Excitement in Starkville: Mississippi State Softball Faces Off Against Missouri
STARKVILLE, MS – Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping weekend as the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs gear up to take on the Missouri Tigers at Nusz Park! This thrilling three-game series kicks off on Friday, April 11, and promises to bring energy and camaraderie to the heart of Starkville.
Weekend Series Overview
Friday, April 11 – 6 p.m. CT
Join us for an electrifying opening night! Students can gather for a lively party on the outfield deck, complete with grills and food galore. The first 500 fans will also snag a complimentary pair of MSU sunglasses—perfect for sporting your Mississippi State pride!
- Watch Live: SEC Network+
- Live Stats: Here
Saturday, April 12 – 2 p.m. CT
Saturday showcases State’s annual Think Pink game! The first 250 attendees through the gates can grab a fabulous pink State softball hat.
- Watch Live: SEC Network+
- Live Stats: Here
Sunday, April 13 – 1 p.m. CT
Don’t miss the series finale, featuring the fourth annual First Responder’s Day. After the game, the Starkville Fire Department will aim to defend their title in a postgame Home Run Derby—can they keep the crown?
- Watch Live: SEC Network+
- Live Stats: Here
A Winning Streak: The Bulldogs’ Momentum
The Bulldogs are coming off a dramatic victory, having claimed their 13th run-rule win against No. 7 Tennessee last weekend. This significant achievement puts them just two wins short of the school record for run-rule victories in a season. Under the leadership of Samantha Ricketts, she now holds an impressive 43 victories against ranked opponents—just one shy of the program record.
Star Performers to Watch
Morgan Stiles: Powerhouse at the Plate
In the last 10 games, Morgan Stiles has emerged as a force, hitting three homers and boasting an astounding .760 slugging percentage. With her impressive .321 batting average in conference play, she ranks seventh in the SEC!
Delainey Everett: The Pitching Ace
Delainey Everett has showcased remarkable pitching skills, lowering her ERA to 1.63—the fourth-best in the league. With a perfect 9-0 record entering the series, she’s definitely a player to keep your eye on.
Notable Matchups and Stats
Missouri enters the weekend looking to bounce back from a tough midweek loss to Southern Illinois and a challenging sweep at the hands of No. 1 Texas. The Tigers are known for their home-run-heavy offense, ranking No. 21 in the nation for homers, yet struggling, sitting at No. 138 in overall runs per game.
Catch the action as Julia Crenshaw, who leads the SEC with seven runners caught stealing, brings her .390 batting average to the plate, aiming to anchor the Tigers during this crucial series.
Looking Ahead
Following this big weekend, the Bulldogs will venture onto the road for an intensive series against No. 2 Oklahoma and then face off against Kentucky. Mark your calendars for April 18-20 and join the excitement in Oklahoma City as MSU aims to build on their current momentum!
Stay Connected with Mississippi State Softball
To keep up with the action and ongoing updates from the Bulldog softball program, make sure to follow HailStateSB on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Join us at Nusz Park this weekend and be part of the thrilling action as the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on the Missouri Tigers! Go Dawgs!
