Mississippi State Starts O'Connor Era with Hofstra Opening Day Win

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In Brian O'Connor's first game in charge, Mississippi State relied on steady pitching and a productive lineup, with Ben Davis emerging as one of the central figures in a 6-5 win over Hofstra at Dudy Noble Field. The Bulldogs' pitching staff provided the backbone of the win, working ahead in counts and limiting free passes, while the offense built leads steadily through disciplined plate appearances.

Why it matters

The win over Hofstra offered evidence that Mississippi State's preparation under new head coach Brian O'Connor has turned into performance. The Bulldogs showed balance with timely hitting, strike throwing, and reliable defense, keeping their composure when innings tightened.

The details

Mississippi State pitcher Ryan McPherson set the tone early, filling up the strike zone and trusting his stuff. The bullpen followed the same script, entering with defined roles and delivering clean frames to close out the game. On offense, the Bulldogs created scoring chances through disciplined plate appearances, working counts and moving runners into position. Ben Davis' contributions stood out for his timely hitting, providing stability to the lineup.

• The weekend marked the beginning of a new chapter in Starkville, as Brian O'Connor guided the program for the first time in the regular season.
• The Bulldogs opened the season against Hofstra at Dudy Noble Field in front of a record 12,824 fans.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As the Bulldogs move deeper into the nonconference schedule, the early formula is clear: limit free passes, convert scoring chances and protect leads with bullpen depth.