No. 4 Diamond Dawgs Rout Blue Hens in 10-0 Run Rule Victory

Mississippi State hits four home runs, including a game-ending blast, to take series from Delaware

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:51pm

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The No. 4 Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team dominated Delaware in a 10-0 run-rule victory, powered by a season-high four home runs. Freshman Jacob Parker hit his first career homer, while Noah Sullivan and Blake Bevis also went deep for the Diamond Dawgs. Tomas Valincius pitched six scoreless innings to earn the win, overcoming a bases-loaded jam in the second inning. Mississippi State's offense erupted for 13 hits, with the bottom of the order leading the way.

Why it matters

This win extends Mississippi State's undefeated start to the season under new head coach Brian O'Connor. The Diamond Dawgs are looking to build on their success from last year and make a deep postseason run, and this series victory over Delaware is an early sign that the offense and pitching are coming together.

The details

Mississippi State hit four home runs, including a pinch-hit, two-run blast by Blake Bevis in the eighth inning to end the game early via the run rule. Freshman Jacob Parker hit his first career homer, while Noah Sullivan and Reed Stallman also went deep for the Diamond Dawgs. Tomas Valincius tossed six scoreless innings, working out of a bases-loaded jam in the second, to earn the win. The bottom of the order led the offensive onslaught, with Ryder Woodson, Gehrig Frei, Jacob Parker and Bryce Chance combining to go 8-for-14 with two doubles, one homer and three RBIs.

  • In the fourth inning, freshman Jacob Parker hit his first career home run.
  • In the fifth inning, Reed Stallman hit a solo home run.
  • In the sixth inning, Noah Sullivan hit a three-run home run.
  • In the eighth inning, Blake Bevis hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run to end the game early via the run rule.

The players

Brian O'Connor

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Tomas Valincius

The starting pitcher for Mississippi State, who threw six scoreless innings to earn the win.

Jacob Parker

A freshman for Mississippi State who hit his first career home run in the fourth inning.

Noah Sullivan

A Mississippi State player who hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning.

Blake Bevis

A Mississippi State player who hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the eighth inning to end the game early via the run rule.

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What they’re saying

“It's all the same, it's baseball. There's challenges in the game. You go out there with the same attitude no matter what and I'm there to get outs. I'm not there to argue if you're safe or out. I'm just there to pitch, get outs and help my team win.”

— Tomas Valincius

“It was a surreal feeling and the kind of stuff that you dream about. It's a grind every day. My coaches and teammates pour into me every day. Obviously, I'm not there yet but hopefully it's a step in the right direction.”

— Jacob Parker

“I thought the offense was really good. The home runs are going to come. You can't go up there intentionally trying to deliver that result. That comes with taking a good, aggressive swing and that's what our guys have been doing. That will continue to show as we move forward.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

What’s next

Mississippi State looks to complete the series sweep against Delaware on Sunday at 11 a.m. Left-hander Charlie Foster is scheduled to start for the Diamond Dawgs.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's powerful offense and gritty pitching performance in this run-rule victory over Delaware is an early indication that the Diamond Dawgs have the makings of a championship-caliber team under new head coach Brian O'Connor. If they can sustain this level of play, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and beyond.