Mississippi State Baseball Wins Season Opener 8-4 Over Air Force

It was a successful first game for the Bulldogs as they began the 2024 regular season.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a successful Opening Day, defeating Air Force 8-4 at Dudy Noble Field. MSU head coach Chris Lemonis decided to give Nate Dohm the start today after pitching primarily out of the bullpen last season. 

Dohm did not have his best stuff, but the former Ball State transfer battled back. 

"I thought he was good, not great. I think the breaking stuff has been better," Lemonis said. 

MSU was trailing 4-3 going into the bottom of the seventh, and things felt similar to the past two seasons for the Bulldogs. However, sophomore Dakota Jordan started the inning with a walk, which set the table for Madison, Mississippi, native Bryce Chance. 

Chance made a baserunning mistake and was doubled up to end the Bulldog's fifth inning, and was visibly upset after the play. However, Chance did not let this mistake overcome him as he delivered a two-run home run to give the Bulldogs a 5-4 lead. 

"It was nice," Chance said.  "I'm trying to be better this year about flushing stuff that's happened before." 

The most significant stat of the game for the Bulldogs was zero walks from their relievers, Tyler Davis, Evan Siary, and Cam Schuelke. The Bulldogs struggled mightily last year with walks, and new pitching coach Justin Parker has emphasized competing, which showed tonight. 

Schuelke impressed in his two innings of work, allowing no hits and striking out two. The former JUCO player flashed an impressive breaking ball, mixing his arm angles from over-the-top to full submarine. 

"He is just a really mature tough kid," Lemonis said. 

Another bright spot for the Bulldogs was freshman shortstop Dylan Cupp. Cupp played tremendous defense and drew three walks, which set up the top of the Bulldog lineup to do damage. 

"Yeah, he was good," Lemonis said. "He, you know, and I felt like he got more comfortable as the game went along."

The second game of this series will be tomorrow at four p.m. CT, and it will be broadcast on SEC Network+.  

Full Game Recap: Mississippi State Baseball Versus Air Force