Mississippi State Rallies Late to Beat Georgia

Kinley Keller and Kiarra Sells hit back-to-back homers in the 6th inning to power the Bulldogs' comeback victory.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:54pm

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Down a run in the 6th inning, Mississippi State's Kiarra Sells hit a game-tying solo homer, and Kinley Keller followed with a go-ahead two-run shot to lead the Bulldogs to a comeback victory over Georgia. The win was backed by a complete game, 11-strikeout performance from pitcher Alyssa Faircloth.

Why it matters

The win keeps Mississippi State in the hunt in the SEC standings, as both teams entered the series at 2-3 in conference play. The back-and-forth nature of the series so far suggests the finale on Sunday could be another tight, competitive matchup between the two teams.

The details

After Georgia had built a 2-1 lead in the 4th inning, Mississippi State's offense finally broke through in the 6th. Sells worked a full count before launching her 11th homer of the season to tie the game. Keller then followed with a go-ahead two-run shot to left field, flipping the script on the Bulldogs' in-state rivals. Faircloth was dominant throughout, striking out 11 batters without issuing a walk.

  • In the 4th inning, Georgia took a 2-1 lead.
  • In the 6th inning, Kiarra Sells hit a game-tying solo homer.
  • Also in the 6th inning, Kinley Keller followed with a go-ahead two-run shot.

The players

Kiarra Sells

A Mississippi State outfielder who hit a game-tying solo homer in the 6th inning.

Kinley Keller

A Mississippi State outfielder who hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the 6th inning after entering the game as a defensive substitute.

Alyssa Faircloth

The Mississippi State pitcher who threw a complete game, 11-strikeout performance to lead her team to victory.

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What they’re saying

“It was great. I just wanted to do whatever I can to, you know, have my teammates' back, and especially Alyssa [Faircloth's], after, you know, what happened in the previous inning. But it was just great to see, and I had a lot of fun. It's just one of those feelings that just great, and I'm so glad I got to experience that.”

— Kinley Keller

“We told Kinley Keller before she went to bat that she was going to like that pitcher, and it was just a very mature at-bat. She just battled and, you know, was competing on marginal pitches and got something that she could handle in her zone. I just love the competitiveness from her and not getting too big in the moment. She was ready when her number was called for us.”

— Samantha Ricketts, Mississippi State Head Coach

What’s next

The series finale between Mississippi State and Georgia is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+, with both teams sitting at 2-3 in SEC play.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's ability to stay patient, take advantage of its opportunities, and rely on its ace pitcher Alyssa Faircloth allowed the Bulldogs to rally for a crucial conference victory over their in-state rivals Georgia.