No. 6 Diamond Dawgs fight through adversity to take series opener over Vandy, 4-2

Mississippi State overcame injuries and bullpen struggles to defeat Vanderbilt in the series opener.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:13am

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Despite ace starter Ryan McPherson leaving the game early due to injury and the bullpen facing multiple bases-loaded jams, the No. 6 Mississippi State Bulldogs held on for a 4-2 victory over Vanderbilt in the series opener. Ryder Woodson's 3-run homer in the 3rd inning proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs' pitching staff navigated through the late-inning trouble.

Why it matters

This win keeps Mississippi State's momentum going as they look to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the SEC. The ability to win a close game against a quality opponent like Vanderbilt, even when facing adversity, is an encouraging sign for the Bulldogs as they aim to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Starter Ryan McPherson left the game in the 5th inning due to an apparent injury, forcing the Bulldogs' bullpen to step up. Jack Gleason, Maddox Webb, and Ben Davis combined to pitch 5 innings, working out of multiple bases-loaded situations to preserve the lead. Ryder Woodson's 3-run homer in the 3rd inning provided the offensive spark, while the Bulldogs' defense made key plays to strand Vanderbilt baserunners.

  • McPherson left the game at the start of the 5th inning after his warmup pitch.
  • Gleason loaded the bases with walks and hit batters in the 5th, but got out of the jam.
  • Gleason and Webb worked out of bases-loaded situations in the 6th and 7th innings.
  • Davis gave up a 2-run double in the 8th inning to make it 4-2, but closed out the 9th for the save.

The players

Ryan McPherson

The Mississippi State starting pitcher who left the game early due to injury.

Jack Gleason

The Bulldogs' redshirt freshman reliever who worked out of multiple bases-loaded jams.

Ryder Woodson

The Mississippi State batter who hit a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning to give the Bulldogs the lead.

Ben Davis

The Bulldogs' closer who recorded the save despite giving up a 2-run double in the 8th inning.

Chris Maldonado

The Vanderbilt batter who hit a 2-run double in the 8th inning to cut the Bulldogs' lead to 4-2.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't how you draw it up for sure. I talked to the team after the game and made a few points to them and one of the few points I did make is how important belief is. You might pitch yourself into a situation like Jack Gleason did in the fifth inning, but if you believe and execute, you can pitch and defend your way out of anything if you execute.”

— Chris O'Connor, Mississippi State Head Coach

“I think we handled it great and the scoreboard shows that too. It was just picking up your guy and if there's runners on you don't let them score. The confidence of last inning last week to this week, it was just carrying the confidence and doing whatever it takes to win the game.”

— Ben Davis, Mississippi State Closer

“It felt great rounding the bases. For the at bat, I was just looking for something to hit, I got it and I didn't miss it. I'm starting to get more comfortable and swinging at better pitches. I can control what I can control.”

— Ryder Woodson

What’s next

The No. 6 Bulldogs (18-4, 2-2 SEC) will be back in action on Saturday looking for a series win. Game two will throw out first pitch at 6 p.m. with LHP Tomas Valincius on the mound for State.

The takeaway

Despite facing multiple challenges, including an early injury to their ace pitcher and a shaky bullpen performance, the No. 6 Mississippi State Bulldogs showed their resilience and ability to grind out a close win over a tough Vanderbilt team. This victory keeps the Bulldogs on track as they aim to solidify their status as one of the top teams in the SEC.