Mississippi

What we learned from Mississippi State baseball’s dominant series sweep vs Manhattan

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2025

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What we learned from Mississippi State baseball’s dominant series sweep vs Manhattan

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_.

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Mississippi

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

Published

7 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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