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Mississippi State Cruises Past Alcorn State in Blowout Win
Bulldogs avoid midweek trap game with clean 19-0 victory
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The No. 4 ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Alcorn State Braves 19-0 in a run-rule shortened game on Wednesday night. The Bulldogs scored in five of the first six innings, drawing 13 walks and striking out just once, as they avoided any sloppy play or bad habits that can sometimes creep into these types of mismatched midweek games. Blake Bevis set the tone early with a 3-run homer in the first inning and a 2-run single in the second, while freshman Peter Mershon drove in 4 runs in his college debut. On the mound, six Mississippi State pitchers combined for a 1-hit shutout with 14 strikeouts, led by starter Tyler Pitzer's 6 Ks in 2 hitless innings.
Why it matters
This game highlighted Mississippi State's ability to handle a clear mismatch and avoid the traps that can sometimes come with these types of midweek contests against lesser opponents. The Bulldogs stayed focused, played fundamentally sound baseball, and got valuable playing time for both their veteran and young players - all while cruising to a dominant victory.
The details
Mississippi State scored in five of the first six innings, drawing 13 walks and striking out just once as a team. Blake Bevis set the tone early with a 3-run homer in the first and a 2-run single in the second, while freshman Peter Mershon drove in 4 runs in his college debut. On the mound, six Mississippi State pitchers combined for a 1-hit shutout with 14 strikeouts, led by starter Tyler Pitzer's 6 Ks in 2 hitless innings.
- The game was played on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The players
Blake Bevis
A Mississippi State infielder/outfielder who hit a 3-run homer in the first inning and a 2-run single in the second.
Drew Wyers
A Mississippi State player making his Bulldog debut, going 4-for-4 at the plate.
Peter Mershon
A Mississippi State freshman who drove in 4 runs in his college debut.
Tyler Pitzer
The Mississippi State starting pitcher who threw 2 hitless innings with 6 strikeouts.
Brian O'Connor
The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
What they’re saying
“We talked to the guys about staying fundamental and having the right approach. Their starter's fast ball was well below what we will see.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach (si.com)
“It's what I wanted to see, Pitzer to go out there and start. That was the Tyler Pitzer we saw in the fall. I think he will do some valuable pitching for us. It was good to see him get off to a great start.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach (si.com)
“And it was really great to see those three freshmen – Miller, Beliveau and Parker Rhodes. All three of those guys are extremely talented and have great arms. Not only are they going to help us this year, they'll help us in this uniform for many years to come.”
— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach (si.com)
The takeaway
Mississippi State's ability to avoid the traps of a midweek mismatch game and stay focused on fundamental, disciplined baseball is a positive sign for the Bulldogs as they look to build on their strong start to the season.
