Mississippi
What we learned from Mississippi State baseball’s dominant series sweep vs Manhattan
Watch Mississippi State baseball coach Chris Lemonis preview 2025 season
Watch part of Mississippi State baseball coach Chris Lemonis’ press conference previewing the 2025 season.
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball never trailed more than one inning in its 2025 season-opening series.
The No. 19 Bulldogs (3-0) pounded Manhattan (0-3) for a three-game sweep at Dudy Noble Field over the weekend. The first two wins on Friday were by run-rule in an opening day doubleheader. Game 1 was a 17-3 decision, while Game 2 finished at 13-1. MSU took Sunday’s finale 5-1.
It’s Mississippi State’s first 3-0 start to a season since 2020.
“Really pleased,” coach Chris Lemonis said. “Lot of work left to do, obviously, and a long road ahead of us, but we played good defense all weekend. We threw a ton of strikes.”
Here’s what we learned from the series sweep.
Chris Lemonis proud of Mississippi State defense
Lemonis said before the season there was still plenty he wouldn’t learn about Mississippi State until the games were played. On Sunday, he pointed to MSU’s defense as one of his impressions.
The Bulldogs only committed one error in the three games. It came in Game 2 when Ross Highfill, who’s more experienced as a catcher, mishandled a ball in right field.
Lemonis singled out a strong play by shortstop Dylan Cupp that ended Sunday’s game.
“The play to end the game, that’s a special, special play,” he said. “A lot of guys don’t make that play.”
Stone Simmons sharp in first game since 2022
Lemonis admitted he was emotional as Stone Simmons took the mound Sunday for the first time since 2022 after Tommy John surgery. Simmons said he was emotional too.
Simmons threw three scoreless innings, allowing one hit, two walks with five strikeouts. Four of the five strikeouts came consecutively across the second and third innings.
“It was great,” he said. “It took me a little while to settle in, to be honest with you. For the first half of the first inning, I was a little juiced up.”
Simmons has been on Mississippi State since 2021 after a freshman season at Furman.
He ended the first inning Sunday picking off a Manhattan player at first base.
“I think that may have been my first collegiate pick off,” Simmons said. “It took me six years, so that was pretty great.”
Simmons threw 50 pitches, which Lemonis said was about the target because of the cold weather. It was 40 degrees at first pitch at Dudy Noble Field.
Pico Kohn picked up where he left off
It was clear right away that Pico Kohn was sharp in Friday’s Game 1 start. He struck out the first Manhattan batter of the game in three pitches, then also struck out the next two Jaspers.
The senior never found trouble during his start, only allowing one base runner from a single in five scoreless innings. His 11 strikeouts were a career-high.
“I felt good,” Kohn said. “Just being in control of my body, I’ve been working a lot with (assistant coach Justin) Parker on slowing down and not trying to do too much. I feel like I did that well today.”
Kohn only made eight starts last season but had his best in his final appearance when he allowed two earned runs in seven innings in a NCAA tournament regional final loss to Virginia.
Aaron Downs leads Mississippi State’s bats
Aaron Downs didn’t start Game 1 but still had one of the most productive offensive weekends on the team.
The senior outfielder had seven RBI in two games on Friday, including a pinch-hit three-run home run. In Game 2, Downs batted two-of-three with four RBI. He didn’t have an RBI on Sunday, but scored a run, drew a walk and stole two bases.
Downs had just 12 career RBI entering the season. He ended the weekend with a .571 batting average and 1.556 OPS.
“He’s probably the most loved kid in our program from teammates to the people in the community,” Lemonis said. “He’s had a good career in ways but hadn’t had that big year yet. Sometimes that senior does. No better guy to get it from, because he’s super talented.”
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
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_.
Mayflower Cafe named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants of 2026
Take a look inside Mayflower Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi, named one of USA TODAY’s best restaurants for 2026.
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.
Mississippi
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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