Mississippi
The key to Mississippi State baseball’s 2024 success? Justin Parker’s pitching staff
Watch Mississippi State baseball switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje
Mississippi State baseball freshman Jurrangelo Cijntje stole the show during the team’s scrimmage Monday by showing his skills as a switch-pitcher.
Stefan Krajisnik, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
STARKVILLE — Two years ago, an already decorated Dudy Noble Field outfield wall got an addition. Mississippi State baseball unveiled its 2021 national champions decal before opening the 2022 season, forever commemorating a season unlike any other in the program’s history.
That sign remains as MSU prepares to open the 2024 season on Feb. 16 against Air Force, but the level of success it represents feels like a distant memory. And it’s a testament to the pressure on coach Chris Lemonis to steer the program back to its successful period.
Mississippi State hasn’t made it to the SEC tournament, let alone the NCAA Tournament, since lifting the sport’s most prestigious trophy. It’s apparently on the players’ minds as well.
“We talk about going to Omaha every night,” sophomore outfielder Dakota Jordan said Friday. “We envision it. I envision it every day.”
Though leaders such as Jordan and first baseman Hunter Hines shoulder much of the responsibility of getting MSU back to the College World Series, Mississippi State’s success may not rely too much on their bats.
The key is MSU first-year pitching coach Justin Parker, who came to Starkville from South Carolina in the offseason. Mississippi State has had a worthwhile offense amid the struggles. It has been pitching that has been the root of the struggles.
“(Parker) has built a great relationship with those guys, so I think there’s a lot of trust going on right now,” Lemonis said. “Even going from fall to now, it’s still been a lot of growth.”
With time, Lemonis believes his pitchers have seen their confidence grow. Getting to this point, though, wasn’t easy.
Right-handed pitcher Nate Dohm, who had a 4.07 ERA across 17 appearances last season after transferring in from Ball State, admits he had to battle to get certain mechanical changes ingrained.
“Unconsciously, my body was fighting what (Parker) was teaching,” Dohm said.
But Parker was persistent, ensuring Dohm continued to implement changes during drills so that when in-game scenarios came up, he felt comfortable.
“I’ve never felt this good on the mound,” Dohm said. “It’s so smooth, just the ability to move smooth down the mound.”
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Dohm is one arm on a staff that needed to be revamped after owning the SEC’s worst ERA last season. But if Parker was able to implement change and improvement in Dohm, it could be a sign that he will succeed with the others.
Opening day is fast-approaching, though Mississippi State still seems far from establishing a starting rotation and identifying bullpen roles. Those opening weekend assignments could change plenty by the time SEC play arrives, but one thing is certain.
Lemonis’ team will go only as far as Parker’s staff takes it.
“Facing pitchers this fall, it seemed a lot tougher than the past two years,” outfielder Bryce Chance said. “Just the way that they’re going about their work is different.”
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.
Members of a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team were among dozens of people rescued from rising floodwaters in Mississippi as Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rain and dangerous conditions to the Gulf Coast.
According to a release from Cajun Navy 2016, volunteers conducted multiple water rescues along the Biloxi River in Gulfport over the weekend as rainfall caused water levels to rise and flooded homes and roadways.
Among those evacuated were members of The Pickles, a Fort Worth-area youth baseball team.
Trey Williams, communications director for Cajun Navy 2016, said the rescue effort began when the mother of one of the players contacted the organization through Facebook seeking help. Initially, the situation did not appear urgent, but rising floodwaters overnight quickly changed conditions.
“They were just wanting to get to their game,” Williams said. “But overnight, the water rose a great bit, and it really did become more of an emergency situation where we needed to get them out of that house.”
According to Williams, volunteers working alongside the Gulfport Fire Department evacuated 12 players, nine adults, and three dogs; two German shepherds and a Labrador, from the flooded property.
The group was staying in an Airbnb near the Biloxi River when floodwaters began surrounding the elevated home. Williams said fast-moving water and changing currents created dangerous conditions for rescuers and those trapped inside.
“The most important thing was that water was very swift and fast-moving,” Williams said. “In that situation, it’s always best to get people out of harm’s way.”
The team rescue was one of several operations conducted by Cajun Navy 2016 during the storm response.
Williams said the rescue reflected the mission that inspired the organization after the historic Louisiana floods of 2016.
“It was neighbors coming together to help neighbors,” Williams said. “Every time we help somebody, they’re very grateful and relieved. In this situation, everybody was safe, everybody got out okay, and that’s why we’re here.”
A conversation on the history of Black cuisine in America
Black chefs and authors, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Chef Thérèse Nelson, Chef David Rose, and Chef Ameer Natson discuss the origins of soul food and how Black chefs have contributed to American food.
Miguel Fernandez, NorthJersey.com
When you think of Mississippi food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The state has lots of iconic offerings, including biscuits, tamales and mud pie.
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans for Hello Fresh. They talked to families about how much they cook at home, pride in local recipes and the states they think have the best cuisine in the U.S.
“Food has always been about more than just sustenance — it’s how we connect, share stories and pass down traditions,” said Michelle Doll Olson, senior manager of culinary development at HelloFresh US. “From California shrimp tacos and Minnesota Juicy Lucy, to Louisiana gumbo and New York bagels, the dishes that define each state carry generations of family memories and cultural pride.”
The average American reportedly cooks 12 meals at home every week. That’s three breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.
Sharing food is a matter of community pride.
Get your groceries easily with Hello Fresh
What does Mississippi taste like?
New Hampshire was proud of its apple cider donuts while Utah bragged about “fry sauce.” Ohio loves its “buckeyes.”
People said the most iconic Mississippi foods are fried catfish and soul food.
Which states have the best food?
The Top 5 foodie states, according to the survey, were:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Florida
Residents of neighboring Louisiana were the most confident (94%) that they had the best cuisine.
What dishes and flavors represent other Southern states?
According to the data, here’s what other Southern states say represents them.
- Alabama: banana pudding, pinto beans and cornbread
- Arkansas: catfish, country fried chicken
- Florida: seafood, key lime pie, fresh orange juice
- Georgia: peach cobbler, seafood boils
- Kentucky: fried chicken
- Louisiana: crawfish, Cajun cuisine, gumbo
- North Carolina: barbecue, knoephla soup
- South Carolina: soul food
- Tennessee: barbecue
- Texas: Tex Mex, barbecue
- Virginia: ham
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 20, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 20 drawing
06-14-22-23-29
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 3-3-4, FB: 7
Evening: 9-7-3, FB: 5
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 0-2-5-1, FB: 7
Evening: 7-1-0-9, FB: 5
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 20 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 13
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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