University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Mississippi State Defeats Southern Miss, 19-2
4/16/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Mississippi State Defeats Southern Miss, 19-2
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Mississippi State scored three runs in each of the first two innings and never looked back en route to a 19-2 victory over Southern Miss at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field tonight, in front of 4,175 fans, the fourth-largest crowd in Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field history. The top 15 attendance figures in PTP/HDF history are against Mississippi State and 16 of the top 17 are also against the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs (22-12-1) scored 19 runs on 14 hits and didn't have any errors, while Southern Miss (24-14) scored two runs on seven hits and committed three errors. MSU stranded 11 base runners and Southern left seven on base. The 19 runs were the most runs that the Golden Eagles have given up this season and the 17-run deficit was the largest by an opponent this year as well. The seven runs given up in the fifth inning were also the most runs given up in an inning this season.
Bulldog pitcher Jacob Blakeney (2-2) pitched seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits, walking two and striking out five. Jeff Lacher came on in relief in the eighth inning, finishing the game, giving up two hits and striking out four.
Steve Gendros led the Bulldogs with his 4-for-6 performance for the game, scoring one run and driving in a game-high five runs. Also having two or more hits for Mississippi State were Matthew Maniscalco, who finished 2-for-4 with with runs scored and two RBIs, and Matthew Brinson, who finished 2-for-5 for the game with three runs scored and driving in two others. Designated Hitter Lee Parks hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, the first of his career.
The Golden Eagles were led by Allen Winningham, who finished 2-for-4, scoring a run, hitting his seventh homer of the year and driving in a run. Clint Stoy had a 2-for-4 performance at the plate and along with Winningham accounted for four of the seven hits.
Stephen Castleman (2-2) dropped his second decision of the year, pitching 1.1 innings, giving up six runs, five earned, on four hits and walking four batters. Brian Hurley came on in relief in the second inning, pitching three innings, giving up nine runs, eight earned, on seven hits, walking four and striking out four. John Nicholas was a bright spot on the night, pitching 3.2 innings, giving up four runs, one earned, on three hits, walking four and striking out five. Nick Tilbrook closed the game, pitching the final inning, giving up one walk and had one strikeout.
The two teams play the final game of the two-game series on Wednesday, April 17, at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field at 6:30 p.m.
