No. 5 Mississippi State, No. 3 Arkansas Face Off in Game 3

Bulldogs, Hogs battle for SEC series win in rubber match

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:26pm

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No. 5 Arkansas (13-6, 1-1 SEC) and No. 3 Mississippi State (16-3, 1-1 SEC) face off in the rubber match of their SEC series, with the winner taking the series. The Bulldogs took the first game 7-2 behind a strong outing from pitcher Tomas Valincius, while the Hogs look to bounce back with southpaw Colin Fisher on the mound against Mississippi State's Duke Stone.

Why it matters

This SEC matchup between two top-5 teams is an important early-season conference battle that could have implications for postseason positioning and rankings. Both teams are looking to end the first weekend of SEC play with a winning record in conference play.

The details

Arkansas sends Colin Fisher (2-1, 1.17 ERA) to the mound, while Mississippi State counters with Duke Stone (3-0, 3.06 ERA). The Bulldogs took the first game of the doubleheader 7-2 behind 7 shutout innings from Valincius. The Hogs will look to even the series and take the rubber match.

  • The game is being played on March 14, 2026.

The players

Colin Fisher

Arkansas' starting pitcher, a left-handed sophomore with a 2-1 record and 1.17 ERA.

Duke Stone

Mississippi State's starting pitcher, a right-handed junior with a 3-0 record and 3.06 ERA.

Tomas Valincius

Mississippi State pitcher who threw 7 shutout innings in the Bulldogs' 7-2 win in the first game of the doubleheader.

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The takeaway

This rubber match between two top-5 SEC teams is an important early-season conference battle that could have significant implications for both teams' postseason hopes and rankings. The Hogs will look to even the series and take the win, while the Bulldogs aim to clinch the series victory.