No. 24 Bulldog softball opens season with 10-0 run-rule at Baylor

Mississippi State dominates Baylor in season opener behind Peja Goold's one-hitter and four home runs from the offense

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The No. 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs softball team opened their season with a dominant 10-0 victory over Baylor in just five innings. Transfer pitcher Peja Goold threw a one-hitter in her debut, while the Bulldog offense hit four home runs, including two-run shots from Nadia Barbary and Abby Grace Richardson, and a three-run blast from Morgan Stiles.

Why it matters

This resounding win to start the season shows the Bulldogs are poised for another strong campaign after making the NCAA Tournament last year. The performance of Goold, a two-time Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year, and the power display from the lineup suggest Mississippi State could be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.

The details

Goold didn't allow a hit until the 4.1 inning and finished with three walks and five strikeouts. Stiles led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Barbary and Richardson also homered, while Kiarra Sells added a two-run shot as part of a 10-run third inning that put the game out of reach.

  • The game was played on February 6, 2026.
  • Mississippi State will play Northwestern State at 10 a.m. on Friday, followed by a matchup with Wichita State.

The players

Peja Goold

A transfer pitcher from Chattanooga, where she was a two-time Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year and three-time All-Conference selection.

Morgan Stiles

A key returning player for the Bulldogs, who went 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in the season opener.

Nadia Barbary

A Bulldog hitter who hit a two-run home run in the first inning to get Mississippi State on the board early.

Abby Grace Richardson

A second-year player for Mississippi State who hit her first career home run in the second inning.

Kiarra Sells

A Bulldog hitter who added a two-run home run as part of Mississippi State's 10-run third inning.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great way to start the season. Our pitching was dominant and the offense really came alive. We're excited to build on this momentum.”

— Peja Goold, Mississippi State Pitcher (on3.com)

What’s next

Mississippi State will look to continue their strong start with games against Northwestern State and Wichita State on Friday in Waco.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's decisive victory over Baylor to open the season suggests the Bulldogs could be a force to be reckoned with in 2026, led by the impressive debut of transfer pitcher Peja Goold and the powerful offensive display from their lineup.