Mississippi State Bulldogs Defeat Arizona State in Amegy College Baseball Classic

Head coach Brian O'Connor discusses the team's 8-4 victory over the Sun Devils

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:06pm

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The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 8-4 in the Amegy College Baseball Classic in Arlington, Texas. Head coach Brian O'Connor spoke to the media after the game, praising the team's collective effort and highlighting key performances from starting pitcher Ryan McPherson and pinch hitter Gehrig Frei, whose three-run home run proved pivotal.

Why it matters

This win keeps Mississippi State undefeated at 10-0 to start the season, the first time they've achieved this since 2015. The Bulldogs are looking to prove themselves against tough competition in this early-season tournament, and this victory over a quality opponent like Arizona State is an important step in that process.

The details

Mississippi State's starting pitcher Ryan McPherson delivered a strong outing, pounding his glove-side fastball and managing tough situations to keep the Sun Devils at bay. Offensively, the Bulldogs struggled early against Arizona State's left-handed starter but were able to break through against the bullpen, highlighted by Gehrig Frei's three-run home run. Coach O'Connor also praised the performance of young reliever Maddox Miller, who gave up a couple home runs but gained valuable experience against a tough opponent.

  • The game was played on February 27, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

The players

Brian O'Connor

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Ryan McPherson

The starting pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who delivered a strong outing against Arizona State.

Gehrig Frei

A Mississippi State Bulldogs player who hit a crucial three-run home run to help secure the victory over Arizona State.

Maddox Miller

A young relief pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who gained valuable experience against Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“Well first of all, this is a great environment, a great tournament to play in. How about the State fans that showed out today? It was great to see that passionate fanbase. Just really proud of our club. Those first four innings was a real pitcher's duel, and we were having a tough time with their lefthanded starter. He's got really good stuff and had us tied up a little bit. We certainly got to their bullpen and put some pinch hitters in there. Gehrig Frei's big three-run home run was big for us.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

“Ryan McPherson, that's why he's starting on Friday for us. What a Bulldog. In the sixth and seventh inning, he buckled down and made some really big pitches and that was great to see. A total collective effort. I thought in the back half of the game, our offensive approach was much better. You've got to tip your cap to their starter, he's really good and is going to win a lot of games for Arizona State.”

— Brian O'Connor, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bulldogs will look to continue their undefeated start to the season as they take on their next opponent in the Amegy College Baseball Classic on February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's victory over a quality Arizona State team demonstrates the depth and talent of the Bulldogs' roster, as they were able to overcome a tough early pitching duel and get key contributions from both their starting pitcher and pinch hitters. This win should give the team confidence as they look to prove themselves against other top programs in this early-season tournament.