Mississippi

What Stood Out this Weekend for Mississippi State Baseball versus Ole Miss

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2024

What Stood Out this Weekend for Mississippi State Baseball versus Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs lost the series to their rival, Ole Miss. MSU got off to a hot start with an 8-0 win in game one, but it fell apart after that.

What stood out from Swayze Field?

True Ace

Mississippi State has not had a bonafide ace since Will Bednar, and at times this year, it looked like they would be without one again. However, Khal Stephen has proven to be just that for MSU, and the Indiana native pitched his best game to date in game one.

The Purdue transfer only lasted two innings a season ago against the Rebels but pitched eight scoreless with nine strikeouts this year. He does not have the typical overpowering stuff, but he competes in the zone well and does not beat himself.

Stephen has quickly become one of the top arms in the SEC and will give his team a chance to win every Friday.

Old Issues

In game two, the Bulldogs seemed poised to take the series as they held a 7-3 lead going into the bottom of the eighth. However, the bullpen could not hold the lead as Cam Schuelke and Tyler Davis gave up the lead.

After a Hunter Hines home run, the Bulldogs turned to Karson Ligon to try to close it out. The Miami transfer could not do so as he walked a pair of batters, and Amani Larry could not make a tough play to end the game.

Once again, the offense came through as Johnny Long launched a solo home run in the top of the 12th. True freshman Nolan Stevens was given the ball to close it out, and he struggled as he hit a batter and walked a pair to load the bases with one out.

Ole Miss took advantage as Jackson Ross lined a walk-off single into left field. That was the third SEC game in which the bullpen has blown a late lead, and it is tough to win like that.

A lack of clutch hits was another issue for the Bulldogs that seemed to be buried. However, it was resurrected as nobody in the lineup could get a big hit with runners on base.

The offense put up nine runs in game two but did not play well, leaving 11 runners on base.

Designated Hitter

This spot in the lineup has been a struggle for MSU all season. Aaron Downs has gotten most of the reps lately but has been slumping.

Michael O’Brien and Steven Spalitta drew starts at the DH spot in the final two games, and like Downs, they struggled. Someone needs to step up and bring some production to that spot in the lineup because, right now, it is an automatic out.

Embarrassing

Mississippi State has done an excellent job bouncing back this season when adversity hits. However, they could not do that after a heartbreaking game two loss as they seemed unprepared for the rubber match and got run off the field by Ole Miss.

Pitchers were not competing, and many bats did not even look competitive.

The Bulldogs had a chance to continue building momentum, but they failed to do so in game two, and they let it carry over to the rubber match. This team has been on the ropes this season, but this weekend could have been the knockout punch as they dropped the first series to the Rebels since 2015.

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Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

12 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

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Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

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Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

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