- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Diamond Dawgs Take Series Over Delaware
Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O'Connor discusses team's performance in series win
Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:12pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O'Connor spoke to the media after the Diamond Dawgs defeated Delaware 10-0 in 8 innings to clinch the series. O'Connor praised the gutsy performance of starting pitcher Tomas Valincius, the strong offensive showing with 4 home runs, and the poise his team displayed in overcoming mistakes during the game.
Why it matters
This series win over Delaware continues Mississippi State's strong start to the season as they look to build momentum and compete for a postseason berth. O'Connor's comments highlight the team's growth in areas like mental toughness and offensive production, which will be key factors in their success going forward.
The details
In the 10-0 victory, Mississippi State's offense erupted with 4 home runs, including first career homers for Noah Sullivan and Jacob Parker. O'Connor was pleased with the team's approach at the plate and their ability to deliver in key moments, such as a crucial 3-hit, bases-loaded jam that starting pitcher Tomas Valincius escaped unscathed. The coach also addressed some minor mistakes, like players admiring potential home runs instead of hustling, emphasizing the need to respect the game and play the right way.
- The game was played on Saturday afternoon.
The players
Brian O'Connor
The head coach of the Mississippi State baseball team.
Tomas Valincius
The starting pitcher for Mississippi State who delivered a gutsy performance, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the second inning.
Noah Sullivan
A Mississippi State player who hit his first career home run in the game.
Jacob Parker
A Mississippi State player who hit his first career home run, which O'Connor described as a "line drive out of here".
Ace Reese
A Mississippi State player who mishandled a ball in the infield but then turned a double play, demonstrating the team's poise in overcoming mistakes.
What they’re saying
“I thought it was really, really gutty and tough. The second inning when they got three hits and the bases loaded and no outs, Tomas buckled down and made some huge pitches.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach
“To see Jacob Parker get his first one was great and that was basically a line drive out of here. That will continue to show as we move forward.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach
“I'm very confident in him. The data shows us with regards to exit velocity and barrels over the first seven games and this guy is at the top, just behind Ace Reese.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach
What’s next
The Diamond Dawgs will face Delaware again on Sunday, with Blake Bevis expected to be in the lineup as the starter is a left-hander.
The takeaway
Mississippi State's series win over Delaware showcases the team's growth in areas like mental toughness, offensive production, and the ability to overcome mistakes - all of which will be crucial as they continue their season and push for a postseason berth.
