Lessentine Pitches Shutout to Clinch Series for Texas A&M

Sophomore right-hander Sydney Lessentine throws a gem as the Aggies defeat Mississippi State 4-0

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:59pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes in navy, red, and green, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a softball game.Texas A&M's pitching prowess and timely hitting prove too much for Mississippi State in a key conference clash.Mississippi State Today

In a key Southeastern Conference matchup, the No. 11 Texas A&M softball team defeated No. 11 Mississippi State 4-0 behind a stellar pitching performance from sophomore Sydney Lessentine. Lessentine pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and two strikeouts. The Aggies jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning thanks to three straight bases-loaded RBIs without needing a hit. Texas A&M will look to complete the series sweep on Sunday.

Why it matters

This victory is an important conference win for the Aggies, who are looking to build momentum heading into the postseason. Lessentine's dominant outing showcases the team's pitching depth, which will be crucial as they aim to make a deep run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

The details

Lessentine was in control throughout, shaking off her head coach Trisha Ford for the first time in the sixth inning to secure the final out. Ford praised Lessentine's poise and composure, saying 'you gotta be a dog in there' to excel as a pitcher. Meanwhile, Mississippi State starter Alyssa Faircloth struggled with her command, walking nine batters before being replaced in the sixth inning. The Aggies capitalized on Faircloth's wildness, scoring three runs in the second inning without recording a hit.

  • The game was played on April 18, 2026.
  • The series finale is scheduled for April 19, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Sydney Lessentine

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Texas A&M Aggies softball team who pitched a complete-game shutout in the victory over Mississippi State.

Trisha Ford

The head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies softball team, who praised Lessentine's poise and composure on the mound.

Alyssa Faircloth

The junior left-handed pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who struggled with her command, walking nine batters before being replaced.

Samantha Ricketts

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs softball team.

Mya Perez

The junior designated player for the Texas A&M Aggies who had a hit against Mississippi State's reliever Delainey Everett.

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What they’re saying

“That was a really big growth moment for me. So when she came back to the dugout, and I was like, 'Oh, I like that. … That's what I want to see out of you. I want you to own your process and your pitching.'”

— Trisha Ford, Head Coach, Texas A&M Aggies

“You have to have some nerves of steel, we'll call it. … You've got the ball every single time, all eyes are on you, there's a circle drawn around you, so you gotta be a dog in there.”

— Trisha Ford, Head Coach, Texas A&M Aggies

“I think the weather delay was a nice reset to get my mind right to go back out there and just bench it.”

— Sydney Lessentine, Sophomore Pitcher, Texas A&M Aggies

“If we see somebody Day 2, it shouldn't last very long. And I did feel like today, when she came in, our hitters were like, 'OK, we've seen her, let's get after her.' I can sense the confidence.”

— Trisha Ford, Head Coach, Texas A&M Aggies

What’s next

The Aggies will look to complete the series sweep over Mississippi State on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

Lessentine's dominant pitching performance and the Aggies' ability to capitalize on Mississippi State's wildness showcases Texas A&M's depth and resilience as they aim to make a deep postseason run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.