NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt held No. 6 Mississippi State scoreless over the final six innings Friday night at Dudy Noble Field, but the Bulldogs held off the Commodores for a 4-2 win in the series opener.
Mississippi State hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the third and led the rest of the way. Vanderbilt had multiple chances with runners in scoring position but were unable to find the big hit and stranded nine runners on base.
After the Bulldogs scored first with a solo shot in the second, Vanderbilt tied the game in the top of the third as Chris Maldonado scored Vandy’s first run on a sac fly from Ryker Waite.
The Bulldogs jumped back ahead in the bottom of the third with a three-run homer off the bat of Ryder Woodson.
The Dores loaded the bases in the fifth and sixth innings, but the Bulldogs escaped both jams to keep the lead at three.
With two outs in the eighth and Mike Mancini on first, Maldonado roped a double to the gap in left-center. Mancini came all the way around to make it a two-run game.
Mississippi State retired the side in order in the ninth to win 4-2 and end Vandy’s seven-game win streak in Starkville.
Connor Fennell took the loss, allowing four runs over five innings with five strikeouts. Brennan Seiber tossed the final three frames, holding the Bulldogs scoreless on just two hits.
Vanderbilt (13-10, 2-2 SEC) and No. 6 Mississippi State (18-4, 2-2 SEC) will meet at 6 p.m. on Saturday for Game 2 in the series.
