CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Mississippi State baseball coach Chris Lemonis wanted a long day on Sunday. His wish has been granted.
As the No. 2 seed in the Charlottesville Regional, the Bulldogs (40-22) defeated No. 3 seed St. John's (38-18-1) on Sunday. In the 13-5 victory, Mississippi State got five hits from Dakota Jordan − including a 463-foot home run.
To extend their time in the NCAA Tournament, the Bulldogs must win again Sunday. Mississippi State faces host and No. 1 seed Virginia (43-15). A loss would eliminate MSU while a win would force a decisive game Monday.
MORE:Buy tickets for Mississippi State baseball in the Charlottesville Regional
Mississippi State is starting left-handed pitcher Pico Kohn against Virginia. The Cavaliers are countering with right-handed pitcher Jay Woolfolk.
The Bulldogs are in the midst of their first postseason appearance since winning a national title in 2021. MSU opened regional play Friday with a win against St. John's. However, Virginia beat MSU on Saturday to send the Bulldogs into the loser's bracket.
MORE:Watch Mississippi State baseball vs. Virginia with Fubo (free trial)
Mississippi State baseball vs Virginia score updates in NCAA regional bracket
FINAL: Virginia 9, Mississippi State 2
The top of the ninth inning brought more trouble for Mississippi State. After another pitching change that sent Karson Ligon in for Tyler Davis, two Virginia runners scored off wild pitches before MSU got the third out.
The Bulldogs got a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth, but it was erased by a double play from Virginia. Bryce Chance singled with two outs, but he was left stranded when Nate Chester struck out looking to end the game.
Bulldogs crumble in the final inning
Sophom*ore pitcher Gavin Black struck out the first batter swinging in the ninth, but then coach Chris Lemonis made a pitching change and put senior Tyler Davis in. Davis walked the next two batters and then Virginia hit a single to load the bases with one out.
The Cavaliers then hit a two-RBI single to left field to make it 5-2. Virginia put the nail in the coffin on the next play when two runners scored on a throwing error by Davis to take a 7-2 lead.
Mississippi State loses a gamble in the eighth inning
Dakota Jordan hit a single to center field with two outs on the board in the eighth inning. With Hunter Hines at the plate, Jordan attempted to steal second. Jordan would have been safe, but he slid too far and his hand came off the plate and he was tagged out to end the eight inning. Virginia held on to its 3-2 lead going into the ninth.
Pico Kohn retires batters in order three innings in a row
Junior pitcher Pico Kohn was dealing on the mound. After Virginia took the lead in the third, Kohn went three up, three down the next three innings. He struck out five batters, including the final two of the sixth inning.
Mississippi State's offense hasn't been able to retake the lead, but Kohn is giving them ample opportunities to win.
Virginia 3, Mississippi State 2, middle third inning: The Cavaliers take back the lead
Mississippi State's lead was short lived. Virginia drew a walk and hit a single, but it didn't score until a throwing error by the Bulldogs that allowed a runner to get home. Virginia followed it with an RBI single to take back the lead 3-2.
Mississippi State 2, Virginia 1 after one inning
Virginia got on the board first with an RBI single, but Mississippi State had an answer in the bottom of the inning. David Mershon singled to get on base and then Dakota Jordan crushed a two-run homer to center field to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. It's Jordan's third home run of the NCAA regional and 20th of the season.
What channel is Mississippi State vs Virginia on today?
- Channel:ACC Network
- Streaming: Watch ESPN,FUBO (free trial available),ESPN+
Mississippi State vs Virginia start time
- Sunday:5 p.m.
Mississippi State vs Virginia prediction
Mississippi State beats Virginia, 8-6:Despite playing three games, Mississippi State only has four pitchers unavailable against UVA. With Kohn starting and Nate Dohm available behind him, the Bulldogs have a pair of pitchers who have proven they can be strong across multiple innings. With the offense finding momentum against St. John's, Mississippi State has a chance to extend its stay in Virginia to Monday.
Mississippi State vs Virginia location
Mississippi State and UVA are playing at Davenport Field in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Mississippi State vs Virginia lineups
Mississippi State lineup
- 2B Amani Larry
- SS David Mershon
- RF Dakota Jordan
- 1B Hunter Hines
- CF Connor Hujsak
- LF Bryce Chance
- 3B Logan Kohler
- DH Aaron Downs
- C Johnny Long
- SP Pico Kohn
Virginia lineup
- SS Griff O'Ferrall
- CF Bobby Whalen
- RF Casey Saucke
- 1B Henry Ford
- C Jacob Ference
- LF Harrison Didawick
- 2B Henry Godbout
- DH Ethan Anderson
- 3B Luke Hanson
- SP Jay Woolfolk
Mississippi State vs Virginia tickets
A limited number of general admission and reserved tickets are available to purchase through UVA.
Tickets can also be purchased through a third-party atStubHub.com.
Mississippi State baseball schedule 2024
View the 2024 schedule for Mississippi Statehere.
Virginia baseball schedule 2024
View the 2024 schedule for Virginiahere.
Mississippi State baseball roster
View Mississippi State's 2024 rosterhere.
Virginia baseball roster
View Virginia's 2024 rosterhere.
Charlottesville Regional schedule
All times CDT
Friday’s games
Game 1:Virginia 4, Penn 2
Game 2:Mississippi State 5, St. John's 2
Saturday games
Game 3:St. John's 10, Penn 9
Game 4:Virginia 5, Mississippi State 4
Sunday games
Game 5: Mississippi State 13, St. John's 5
Game 6:Virginia vs. Mississippi State, 5 p.m., ACC Network
Monday game
Game 7:Mississippi State vs. Virginia (if necessary), TBD
Charlottesville Regional bracket
Charlottesville Regional odds
Mississippi State is a slight underdog (+115) against Virginia, according toBetMGM.
Charlottesville Regional tickets
A limited number of general admission and reserved tickets are available to purchase through UVA.
Tickets can also be purchased through a third-party atStubHub.com.
2024 College World Series bracket
2024 NCAA baseball tournament odds
Mississippi State entered the postseason as a long shot to win the College World Series (+4000), according toBetMGM.
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