News Summary
In a crucial game, Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State with a score of 6-4, preventing a series sweep and showcasing resilience. Mississippi State’s ace struggled on the mound, while Ole Miss capitalized with early runs and strong offensive plays, concluding their season with significant momentum. The Bulldogs now look to build on their improved performance as they head into the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) secured a 6-4 victory over Mississippi State University (MSU) on May 3, 2025, preventing the Bulldogs from completing a series sweep during their regular-season finale. This win allowed Ole Miss to tie the series after losing the opener 3-0. With the victory, Ole Miss displayed resilience, while MSU faced challenges to maintain momentum in the final game of the series.
MSU ace pitcher Raelin Chaffin struggled significantly during the game, yielding four earned runs across just three innings of play. Known for her strong performances, Chaffin’s day was marked by an uncharacteristically wild pitching performance, which included three walks and a hit-by-pitch in the second inning. After throwing 87 pitches, her appearance concluded, and she was relieved by Delainey Everett, who allowed two additional runs, including a two-run home run from Aliyah Binford.
The Bulldogs’ offense, which had previously thrived in the series, went cold in the closing stages of the game, mustering only one hit in the final three innings. Despite a late-game push that included an RBI single by Morgan Bernardini in the fourth inning, MSU was unable to regain the lead. A pivotal defensive moment occurred when Ole Miss managed to double off Sierra Sacco at first base, sealing the game for the Rebels.
Ole Miss showcased their offensive prowess early in the match, with Sierra Sacco hitting her 11th home run of the season in the first inning, followed by a scoring play from Nadia Barbary after drawing a walk. Jessie Blaine contributed significantly as well, recording an RBI single during the first inning alongside two hits on this notable Senior Day for both Sacco and Blaine.
This victory concluded the regular season for MSU with a conference record of 13-11, the first time they have finished above .500 in SEC play since 2001. The Bulldogs matched their highest total of wins since 2008, illustrating a significant improvement under head coach Samantha Ricketts, who now boasts a strong record of 30-6 against in-state rivals.
Looking ahead, MSU prepares for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament, where they are positioned as the No. 8 seed. They will face off against the No. 9 seed, LSU, in the second round of the tournament. This matchup is set to take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Central Time in Georgia, presenting the Bulldogs with an opportunity to build on their regular-season success.
Overall, the game highlighted both the challenges faced by the Bulldogs in crucial moments and the competitive spirit of Ole Miss as they sought to end the season on a high note. The upcoming SEC Tournament will be a critical chance for MSU to capitalize on their improved performance throughout the season.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: MSU Drops Regular Season Finale
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Softball
- C Dispatch: MSU Unable to Complete Sweep
- Google Search: Mississippi State Softball 2025
- Ole Miss Sports: Power Surge to Win
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Softball Performance
- SI: MSU Matches Win Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss Softball
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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