Mississippi State overcame an early 2-0 deficit to defeat Vanderbilt 6-3 in Starkville on Saturday night. With the win the Bulldogs clinched the series, in the process handing Vandy their first SEC series loss since 2012. After a shaky first inning that saw the Dores score 2 runs, Ross Mitchell settled in nicely and gave Mississippi State another great outing on the mound going 7 1/3 innings. Offensively Seth Heck continued his red-hot streak, going 1-2 with a double that drove in 2 runs and added a walk and run scored. Heck has already reached base a staggering 9 times in the first 2 games and has also provided great defense at shortstop. Jonathan Holder picked up the five-out save for his third of the season, showing flashes of brilliance as he struck out the first 2 hitters he saw in the 8th inning. Mitchell working deep in the game and Holder’s five-out save allowed MSU to save the bulk of their bullpen for Sunday where they will be going for the sweep of Vanderbilt – something that hasn’t happened since 2002.
After dropping the first game on Friday, #1 Florida State battled back to sweep a doubleheader and take the series at Clemson. Game 1 saw starter Brandon Leibrandt toss a complete game limiting the Tiger offense to just four hits on the afternoon. DJ Stewart led the way offensively going 4-5 with a home run, double, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. In Game 2 of the doubleheader FSU trailed 3-1 in the 7th but scored 3 runs to take a 4-3 lead. Closer Jameis Winston worked the final 2 1/3 innings to pick up his fourth save of the season and lock down the series win for the Seminoles.
Other quick hits include Georgia Tech pulling off a doubleheader sweep at North Carolina, 6-5 in 13 innings and 9-1 to come back and win the series. Auburn continues to roll as they clinched a series victory over Tennessee 4-2 to win their second straight SEC series to begin conference play. Central Arkansas clinched their series over #22 Sam Houston State with a 4-2 win. The Bears are winners of 4 in a row and 5 of their last 6 as they look to sweep the pre-season favorites in the Southland on Sunday.
