No. 5 Georgia Defeats No. 4 Mississippi State in Extra Innings

Bulldogs swept for the first time in 2026 after 8-5 loss

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:18pm

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Mississippi State was swept for the first time in 2026 on Saturday after an 8-5 extra innings loss to No. 5 Georgia. The Bulldogs took an early 3-0 lead, but Georgia rallied with a three-run home run in the fifth inning and a solo shot to take a 5-3 lead. Mississippi State tied it up in the sixth with a two-run homer, but Georgia pulled away in the 10th inning with a three-run shot to secure the win.

Why it matters

This was a key SEC matchup between two top-5 ranked teams, with Georgia handing Mississippi State its first series sweep of the season. The loss drops Mississippi State to 4-2 in conference play, while Georgia improves to 5-1 and solidifies its position as a top contender in the SEC.

The details

Mississippi State jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, with Ace Reese hitting a two-run home run in the first and Vytas Valincius adding a solo shot in the second. Georgia's batters rallied in the fifth, with Rylan Lujo hitting a three-run homer and Brennan Hudson following with a solo shot to give Georgia a 5-3 lead. Mississippi State tied it up in the sixth on a two-run homer from Gehrig Frei, but Georgia pulled away in the 10th inning with a three-run blast from Michael O'Shaughnessy.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Mississippi State took a 3-0 lead after two innings.
  • Georgia rallied with a three-run homer in the fifth inning.
  • The game went to extra innings tied at 5-5.
  • Georgia scored three runs in the 10th inning to win 8-5.

The players

Ace Reese

A Mississippi State player who hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

Vytas Valincius

A Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Rylan Lujo

A Georgia player who hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning to give Georgia the lead.

Brennan Hudson

A Georgia player who hit a solo home run immediately after Lujo's three-run shot.

Gehrig Frei

A Mississippi State player who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to tie the game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Georgia was going to be a tough opponent, but we had them on the ropes early. Unfortunately, we just couldn't hold on in the end.”

— Gehrig Frei, Mississippi State Player

What’s next

Mississippi State will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host UAB at 6 p.m.

The takeaway

This loss drops Mississippi State to 4-2 in SEC play, while Georgia improves to 5-1 and solidifies its position as a top contender in the conference. The Bulldogs' comeback victory in extra innings shows their resilience and ability to win close games against ranked opponents.