APSU Baseball Overpowered by #4 Mississippi State 16-3 in Tuesday Road Test

Governors fall to Bulldogs in midweek matchup at Dudy Noble Field

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball team fell 16-3 to No. 4 nationally ranked Mississippi State in midweek action, Tuesday, at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, Mississippi. The Governors jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Bulldogs responded with a seven-run third inning and went on to score 16 unanswered points to defeat APSU.

Why it matters

This loss drops APSU's record to 0-1 on the season, while Mississippi State improves to 3-0. The Governors will look to bounce back this weekend as they head to Cincinnati for a three-game series against the Bearcats.

The details

APSU starting pitcher Chance Cox struggled, allowing seven runs on nine hits in three innings of work. The Bulldogs broke the game open with a seven-run third inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Aidan Teel. Mississippi State added nine more runs over the next three innings to cruise to the 16-3 victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • APSU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

The players

Ray Velazquez

The APSU leadoff hitter who drew a walk and scored a run in the first inning.

Chance Cox

The APSU starting pitcher who took the loss, allowing seven runs on nine hits in three innings.

Aidan Teel

The Mississippi State player who hit a grand slam in the third inning to break the game open.

Bryce Chance

The Mississippi State player who hit a two-RBI single in the second inning to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead.

Chone James

The Mississippi State player who hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to extend the Bulldogs' lead to 13-1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must bounce back and learn from this tough loss. Our focus now shifts to our upcoming series against Cincinnati.”

— Austin Peay Head Coach (clarksvilleonline.com)

What’s next

APSU will look to rebound this weekend as they travel to Cincinnati for a three-game series against the Bearcats, starting on Friday at 3:00pm CT.

The takeaway

This lopsided loss to the highly-ranked Bulldogs serves as a wake-up call for the APSU baseball team, who will need to make adjustments and improvements ahead of their upcoming conference matchups.