Mississippi

What Mississippi State baseball bullpen is missing heading into Vanderbilt series

Published

4 hours ago

March 19, 2026

What Mississippi State baseball bullpen is missing heading into Vanderbilt series

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball was tied against Arkansas in the eighth inning or later in both of its losses in the SEC opening series.

The Bulldogs lost on a walk-off home run on March 13 and then 7-3 the next day in the second game of a doubleheader to ultimately lose the series.

No. 6 MSU (17-4, 1-2 SEC) doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses to start coach Brian O’Connor’s first season. All four of its losses before it hosts Vanderbilt (13-9, 2-1) at Dudy Noble Field March 20-22 are against teams ranked in the top 15. Texas A&M is the only other SEC team that hasn’t lost to an unranked opponent.

But if there’s one aspect where Mississippi State could get even better, it’s the bullpen.

“Our starting pitching has been really outstanding,” O’Connor said after MSU’s 17-1 win against Jackson State on March 17. “I’d like to see us be a little bit more consistent in the bullpen and have an understanding of what we’re going to get when we put somebody out there. That’s not a knock on anybody, it just hasn’t shown up yet. Typically, that happens with youth.”

Does Mississippi State baseball have a closer?

There isn’t a strict rule in baseball that a team needs one designated closer, but it’s often preferred. MSU doesn’t seem to have a closer that’s emerged so far.

Ben Davis was the preseason favorite for that role and leads MSU with two saves, but he hasn’t been super sharp. He allowed four runs to UCLA in 3⅓ innings on March 1. The right-handed senior surrendered two runs in two innings in his last appearance against Arkansas to raise his ERA to 5.25.

Three other pitchers have one save each: Maddox Webb, Tyler Pitzer and Brendan Sweeney.

The Bulldogs haven’t had many save opportunities, but more will come in SEC play. They are 15-0 after six innings when leading, but 0-2 when tied.

Mississippi State’s best, worst relief pitchers so far

One of Mississippi State’s best relievers has been a bit of a surprise in Jack Gleason.

After redshirting in 2025, there wasn’t much buzz about the right-hander. He has a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings in 2026. Gleason and Davis are tied for the most innings pitched out of the bullpen.

Left-hander Dane Burns hasn’t allowed a run in nine appearances, but only 5⅓ innings. He threw only one pitch in his last outing, hitting an Arkansas batter and then immediately getting pulled. Burns and Gleason are tied for first on MSU with a 0.75 WHIP.

Webb has a 2.35 ERA, Pitzer a 2.70 ERA and Sweeney at 5.73 ERA.

Mississippi State has eased freshman Parker Rhodes in, but after two no-hit innings against Jackson State, his ERA is down to 1.42 in 6⅓ innings. Rhodes leads the SEC with a .050 opponent batting average.

“He’s a young kid with a really good arm that I think can help us and help maybe solidify that bullpen a little bit,” O’Connor said. “We’ll see.”

Mississippi State has a few pitchers off to slow starts.

Charlie Foster began the season as the third weekend starter but is now in the bullpen. He walked the first three batters he faced in a relief appearance against Jackson State and holds a 5.06 ERA.

Maddox Miller has a 6.23 ERA in 8⅔ innings and one start; Chris Billingsley Jr. has a 6.75 ERA in 6⅔ innings; Jack Bauer, the freshman who can throw 103 mph, has a 22.50 ERA in only two innings and hasn’t pitched since Feb. 28.

How Mississippi State pitching matches up with Vanderbilt

From strictly a numbers standpoint, Vanderbilt will be a tougher challenge for MSU’s pitching than Arkansas was. Though there could be an advantage for MSU playing in front of its home crowd.

The Commodores are seventh in the SEC in runs scored, while Arkansas is 14th. Vanderbilt has crushed the second-most home runs in the conference at 52. The Commodores are also second in slugging percentage at .603, but have the second-most strikeouts in the SEC.

Braden Holcomb is tied for second in the SEC with 11 home runs.

Mississippi State is 10th in the SEC with a 3.69 ERA.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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Mississippi

Southern Living says MS gem one of ‘South’s Most Legendary Restaurants’

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Southern Living says MS gem one of ‘South’s Most Legendary Restaurants’

Southern Living released its 2026 list of the most legendary restaurants in the South. These places are longtime favorites that became community icons. They’re fan favorites from breakfast through date night.

“The South’s most legendary restaurants have shaped their cities, hosted generations of celebrations, and perfected the dishes that keep guests coming back,” Southern Living wrote. “From white-tablecloth dining rooms to beloved small-town cafés, these long-standing eateries with decades of history serve up more than just wonderful meals.”

Here’s what we know about the only Mississippi restaurant to make the list.

Southern Living says this Mississippi restaurant is ‘legendary’

City Grocery Restaurant is on the Square in Oxford, Mississippi.

Chef John Currence founded it in 1992 in a converted livery stable. The City Grocery was a 2025 Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurant.

“Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that’s still going strong over three decades later,” Southern Living wrote.

People can grab a drink at the upstairs bar. Or you can experience fine dining downstairs.

Today, the James Beard award nominee runs four restaurants in Oxford:

When to go to City Grocery

City Grocery is open six days a week for lunch and dinner.

Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 6-10:30 p.m. Friday to Saturday.

Bar hours start at 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Reservations are recommended.

Southern Living’s Most Legendary Restaurants in the South

Southern Living names more than 30 restaurants among the most legendary in the South. Only one is from Mississippi.

The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia
The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida
Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida
Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina
Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia
Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia
Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama
The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia
The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia
Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky
82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee
Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida
The Pirate’s House in Savannah, Georgia
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama
Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky
City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Contributing: Vanessa Countryman

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

4 Mississippi state parks remain closed due to lingering impact of January ice storm – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

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4 Mississippi state parks remain closed due to lingering impact of January ice storm – SuperTalk Mississippi

Four state parks and one county lake remain closed as restoration work continues in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks said that the following facilities are not welcoming visitors at this time: Wall Doxey State Park, P. Coleman State Park, George P. Cossar State Park, John W. Kyle State Park, and Tippah County Lake.

Insurance payouts exceed $60M as Winter Storm Fern claims mount in Mississippi

“These closures remain necessary due to ongoing cleanup efforts, including the removal of storm debris, downed trees, and other hazards that pose potential safety risks to visitors and staff,” an official statement from the department reads. “Widespread impacts from the January ice storm caused significant damage across these properties, and crews are continuing to work diligently to restore safe access.”

Officials said they will notify the public when the parks and lake reopen.

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Mississippi

Who is Kamario Taylor’s backup? Jeff Lebby updates Mississippi State QB competition

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

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Who is Kamario Taylor’s backup? Jeff Lebby updates Mississippi State QB competition

Kamario Taylor is set as Mississippi State’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
Four other quarterbacks are competing for the backup position during spring practice.
Coach Jeff Lebby is looking to add players from the transfer portal, specifically an edge rusher.

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football knows sophomore Kamario Taylor will be the starting quarterback in 2026.

But as for his backup, that’s still to be decided as the Bulldogs held their first spring practice on March 17. Coach Jeff Lebby said it will be an ongoing competition between MSU’s four other quarterbacks on the roster: AJ Swann, Jaden Rashada, Parker Puckett and Brodie McWhorter.

“There’s great competition for the No. 2 spot, which I love,” Lebby said. “The other four guys are going to get a ton of reps. We’re going to cut them evenly. There’s going to be a different No. 2 every single day until one guy starts to separate a little bit.”

Swann and Rashada transferred to Mississippi State this season but with different profiles.

Swann is a veteran who’s started in 18 games in his career between Vanderbilt, LSU and Appalachian State.

Rashada is a redshirt junior who’s played in nine games in the last three seasons at Arizona State, Georgia and Sacramento State. He had two starts at Sacramento State before he suffered a thumb injury.

McWhorter is a freshman from Kingston, Georgia, an early-enrolled three-star in the 2026 recruiting class. Puckett is a redshirt freshman who walked on from Jackson Prep.

Taylor will be in his first season as the full-time starter.

Mississippi State still eyeing players in transfer portal

While there is no spring transfer window this season, Lebby said Mississippi State is still attempting to fill open roster spots. Players can no longer enter the transfer portal, but they can still commit to teams if they haven’t already.

247Sports reported Baylor edge rusher Kamauryn Morgan, the No. 1 uncommitted transfer and No. 18 player overall, is visiting MSU on April 4 and Auburn on March 28.

“There’s a chance for a rush, a jack/edge type player,” said Lebby, who did not mention anyone Mississippi State was targeting. “That will be one piece. And then from there, it will really be some depth pieces, whether it’s a backer, a safety, best available. There’s very, very few spots left.

“If we have the ability to add one more rusher, I’d be excited about that. There’s a couple guys left out there that I think are good enough to help on Saturdays and that will be something we continue to work through.”

Will Mississippi State football hold a spring game?

Mississippi State has not announced any plans about holding a spring game. Lebby said details should be revealed soon, though.

“We’ve got a couple things in the works that we’ll announce here hopefully in the next week,” Lebby said. “Some fan engagement things that will go on at one of our big spring scrimmages.”

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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