Mississippi State Tops Vanderbilt 4-2 in Series Opener

Head coach Brian O'Connor discusses the win, injuries, and bullpen performance

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:35am

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No. 6 Mississippi State defeated Vanderbilt 4-2 in the series opener on Friday night. Bulldogs head coach Brian O'Connor spoke to the media after the game, providing updates on starter Ryan McPherson's injury, praising the team's resilience, and discussing the bullpen's performance.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season SEC matchup between two top college baseball programs. Mississippi State's win over Vanderbilt sets them up well in the conference standings and builds momentum as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Mississippi State built an early 4-1 lead, but ace starter Ryan McPherson left the game early with an apparent injury. The Bulldogs' bullpen struggled with command, but they were able to hold on for the 4-2 victory. O'Connor praised the team's belief and ability to "pitch and defend" their way out of trouble.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Brian O'Connor

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Ryan McPherson

The starting pitcher for Mississippi State who left the game early with an injury.

Ryder Woodson

A Mississippi State player who hit a key home run in the game.

Jack Gleason

A Mississippi State pitcher who came in with the bases loaded and managed to get out of the jam.

Ben Davis

A Mississippi State pitcher who recorded an 8-out save to secure the win.

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What they’re saying

“No update on McPherson. He went out there and didn't look right. I took our trainer, Jason Wire, out there and he said he just stiffened up. So we'll obviously evaluate him tonight and tomorrow and see where we're at.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

“Consistency, a consistent approach. He's aggressive and he's on the barrel quite a bit. Certainly, that was a huge home run. Two outs, two out rally, and he got it to dead center.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

“Listen, the fans here are the best in America – it's not even debatable. Friday night in March playing a really good opponent. To have this crowd on a Friday night and the energy in the stadium, if you're a player or coach in either dugout and don't love that, I don't know if you have a heartbeat.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

“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 with a walk and two hit pitches, but if you believe and execute, you can pitch and defend your way out of anything if you execute.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

“Great. We went in on Friday night and you're the home team. We were hoping that Webb was going to get us through the seventh but he lost his command a little bit. I was going to give the ball to the guy that has been in this environment many times and that we believe in. Fortunately, his pitch count was below 40, so hopefully he'll be ready again on Sunday.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game showcased Mississippi State's resilience and ability to overcome adversity, as they were able to secure the win despite injuries and bullpen struggles. The passionate fan support at Dudy Noble Field also played a key role in the Bulldogs' victory.