The Mississippi State Diamond Dawgs’ hopes of a postseason took a further hit on Wednesday after getting swept by Southern Mississippi in a two-game midweek series. The Bulldogs (16-25, 4-14 SEC) gave up a combined 23 runs and 22 hits in the two games while scoring just 13 runs of their own.
On Tuesday night, the Golden Eagles hung on to an early 3-0 lead to pull off an 11-7 win. MSU head coach Ron Polk said overcoming early deficits in the ballgame have been a weakness of his team this season.
“We got seven runs, which should have given us a good chance to win, but when you’re down 10-2 on the road, it’s hard to come back from that,” Polk said.
Jonathan Johnston earned the win for Southern Miss, throwing three innings in relief and giving up two hits and one earned run.
Bulldog starter Tyler Whitney took the loss, allowing five earned runs on five hits and walking four in his 1 1/3 innings of work.
Southern Miss head coach Corky Palmer said he felt like his bullpen was key in the win.
“We swung the bats early and got some big hits. We got ahead, and the bullpen nailed it again,” Palmer said. “Jonathan Johnston was good, and Wade Weathers was also really good.”
Junior first baseman Tyler Moore led offensively for the Bulldogs, going 2-for-5 and knocking in a three-run homer in the fifth inning. Polk said he has been impressed with the offensive production he has seen out of Moore lately.
“With Moore, he’s a swing and miss kind of guy. You have to be real patient with him, and he’ll come through for you,” Polk said.
Rightfielder Michael Ewing went 2-for-4 with three RBIs for the Golden Eagles. He said the early lead was a benefit for his team in the ballgame.
“With our offense, we usually don’t score until the last three innings. It’s definitely good to jump out early,” Ewing said.
Golden Eagles leadoff man Bo Davis went 3-for-6 and scored a pair of runs. Palmer said he was impressed with the centerfielder’s performance.
“I think Davis is doing a good job, but we’re still struggling a bit in the middle,” Palmer said.
Wednesday night ended much the same as Tuesday, with the Bulldogs dropping a 12-6 decision to the Golden Eagles.
Polk said the series had been a tough one for the Bulldogs, especially having to play the Golden Eagles at Pete Taylor Park.
“They’re a good baseball program who plays well at home. They’re going to be a real threat in their conference,” Polk said.
MSU starter Drew Hollinghead lasted to face just five batters, giving up five runs, three of them earned, including a home run to Davis. Hollinghead would take the loss, walking four batters while striking out none.
J.R. Ballinger grabbed the win for Southern Miss, allowing two earned runs in his three innings of work.
While not having a save opportunity, junior closer Aaron Weatherford continued his hot streak, striking out all three batters he faced.
Weatherford has allowed just three hits and no earned runs this season.
The Bulldogs had no difficulty in putting runners on base, having 11 hits and drawing 12 walks, something Polk said was a positive that could be taken away from the loss.
“It’s a good thing that we’re getting guys on base. It’s just a matter of needing the experience in the lineup to get them home,” Polk said. “The lack of experience and the amount of youth on our team is just hurting us.”
Moore continued to produce at the plate, going 2-for-2 and knocking in two runs, including an RBI single in the third inning. Freshman rightfielder Ryan Collins also went 2-for-2 and scored three runs of his own.
Leftfielder Drew Carson led offensively for the Golden Eagles, going 3-for-5 and knocking in four runs.
The Bulldogs will return to Dudy Noble Field on Friday, beginning a three-game SEC series with the Tennessee Volunteers, who dropped only their fifth game at home this season to East Tennessee State.
Polk said he felt that it was essential for his team to win at least two games to continue their hopes of making the SEC tournament.
Injuries will continue to be a problem for the Bulldogs, with the absence of second baseman Brandon Turner and third baseman Conner Powers, both of whom are out with hamstring injuries.
“We’re healthy in regards to our pitching staff, which is good, but Powers and Turner would add a lot of experience to the lineup and be able to knock in some runs,” Polk said.
“We should get them back in a week or two, but by then it may be too late.