Mississippi State Cruises Past Auburn 8-1 Behind Chance, Stephen

Outfielder Bryce Chance (left) and Pitcher Khal Stephen (right)

By Doug Kyle

Mississippi State pitcher Khal Stephen gave up an early unearned run to Auburn on Friday night, but that would be all, as he settled in and delivered another clutch performance, leading the Bulldogs to an eventual 8-1 win over the Tigers.

With the middle of the State lineup putting up hits and runs throughout the middle innings, a 1-1 tie score just kept growing on the home side, propelled by Bryce Chance's home run that gave them a lead they would only expand, with a succession of doubles and a wild steal throw at third base that not only didn't keep David Mershon from going to 19-19 on stolen bases, he and teammate Dakota Jordan both scored on the error.

The spotlight of the night belonged to Stephen, though, who set his new SEC high in strikeouts with 11, none more important than fanning Ike Irish (the tying run at the time) with the bases loaded to end his night and the seventh inning after 114 pitches.

A light rain fell during portions of the game, but it was interrupted only when a foul ball hit the home plate umpire on the mask, causing the crew to finish the game with only three officials.

Saturday's game is scheduled for 5 pm, but weather could factor into a time adjustment. Follow @hailstatebaseball on X for updates.

Video of Head Coach Chris Lemonis post-game comments:

Post-game comments from Bryce Chance and Khal Stephen: