No. 4 Mississippi State Sweeps Hofstra in Baseball Opener

Bulldogs rally late to defeat Pride 7-5 in Game 3 of series

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Mississippi State's baseball team completed a season-opening sweep of Hofstra with a 7-5 victory in Game 3 on Saturday. The Bulldogs overcame an early 3-0 deficit, sparked by a three-run home run from junior third baseman Ace Reese, to retake the lead in the fifth inning and hold on for the win.

Why it matters

This series win to start the season is an encouraging sign for the No. 4 ranked Bulldogs, who are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign and make a deep postseason run in 2026. The ability to rally from an early deficit also demonstrates the team's resilience and offensive firepower.

The details

Mississippi State starter Charlie Foster struggled early, allowing a three-run homer to Hofstra's C.J. Griggs in the first inning. But the Bulldogs' offense responded, with Reese's three-run shot in the second inning giving MSU the lead. The Pride tied it in the fifth, but the Bulldogs regained the advantage with a three-run fifth, capped by a two-RBI single from catcher Chone James.

  • The game, originally scheduled for Sunday, was moved up to Saturday due to the threat of inclement weather.
  • Mississippi State completed the season-opening three-game sweep of Hofstra on Saturday.

The players

Ace Reese

Mississippi State junior third baseman who hit a three-run home run to give the Bulldogs the lead in the second inning.

C.J. Griggs

Hofstra outfielder who hit a three-run homer in the first inning to give the Pride an early advantage.

Chone James

Mississippi State catcher who drove in two runs with a single in the fifth inning to put the Bulldogs back on top.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to battle back after that early deficit, but the guys showed a lot of fight and resilience to get the win. Ace's home run was a big momentum shift, and Chone came up with a huge hit to put us back on top.”

— Chris Lemonis, Mississippi State Head Coach (cdispatch.com)

What’s next

Mississippi State will look to continue its strong start to the season when it hosts Southeastern Louisiana for a three-game series next weekend.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's ability to overcome an early deficit and rally for the win in the series finale against Hofstra demonstrates the team's offensive firepower and resilience, qualities that will serve them well as they aim to build on last year's success and make a deep postseason run in 2026.