Mississippi State Unveils Pitching Rotation for Delaware Series

Bulldogs' sophomore trio of Ryan McPherson, Tomas Valincius, and Charlie Foster to lead the way against Blue Hens

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As No. 4 Mississippi State prepares to host Delaware for a three-game series, head coach Brian O'Connor and pitching coach Justin Parker have set their rotation. Sophomore Ryan McPherson will get the start on Friday, followed by Virginia transfer Tomas Valincius on Saturday and Charlie Foster on Sunday. The trio impressed in their season debuts last week against Hofstra.

Why it matters

Mississippi State's pitching rotation is a key factor in the team's success, as the Bulldogs look to build on their 5-0 start to the season. The performance of McPherson, Valincius, and Foster will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series against Delaware.

The details

Ryan McPherson, a sophomore from Hollywood, Florida, will get the nod on Friday after earning the starting role through his strong preseason performances. Tomas Valincius, a transfer from Virginia, will start on Saturday after an impressive outing last week, while Charlie Foster, another sophomore, rounds out the rotation on Sunday.

  • The series against Delaware will begin on Friday, February 19, 2026 at 4 p.m.
  • The Saturday game is scheduled for 1 p.m. on February 20, 2026.
  • The series finale is set for Sunday, February 21, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Brian O'Connor

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Justin Parker

The pitching coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Ryan McPherson

A sophomore pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who will start on Friday against Delaware.

Tomas Valincius

A Virginia transfer pitcher who will start on Saturday for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Charlie Foster

A sophomore pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who will start on Sunday against Delaware.

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What they’re saying

“Ryan McPherson was the starter tonight because he earned it. I've been talking since day one of being here that (the players) are going to earn everything that they get. He outpitched all the other starters in the preseason. I'm a man of my word and I tell the players that. If you preach that, you need to back it up.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I attribute a lot to coach Parker. Since I stepped on to campus, he's taught me things and showed me things that I never had any idea about. What he's done with me and all of the developmental process has been great with him.”

— Tomas Valincius (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's pitching rotation has the potential to be a strength for the team this season, with the sophomore trio of McPherson, Valincius, and Foster leading the way. Their performances will be crucial in determining the Bulldogs' success against Delaware and throughout the year.