Mississippi

What we learned of Mississippi State baseball, Hunter Hines in Astros Foundation College Classic

Published

1 year ago

March 3, 2025

What we learned of Mississippi State baseball, Hunter Hines in Astros Foundation College Classic

Mississippi State baseball came away with only one win this weekend in the Astros Foundation College Classic.

The No. 16 Bulldogs (7-4) crushed Rice on Friday in a run-rule win but lost to Arizona on Saturday and No. 25 Oklahoma State on Sunday. The two losses came by a combined three runs.

Here’s what we learned about Mississippi State.

Mississippi State is losing to its best opponents

Mississippi State has seven wins this season, but they’ve all been against its easiest opponents. MSU swept series vs. Manhattan and Missouri State and got its seventh win against Rice. All three of those teams are below .500 and have a combined record of 10-20.

All four of the Bulldogs’ losses are to teams above .500: Southern Miss, Troy, Arizona and Oklahoma State.

MSU has another tough challenge this week hosting No. 23 Southern Miss (9-3) on Tuesday (4 p.m., SEC Network+). The Golden Eagles won two of three games this weekend at No. 22 TCU.

Hunter Hines benched by Mississippi State

Senior first baseman Hunter Hines played in the first two games of the weekend. He’s started in 180 of 183 games in his Mississippi State career.

Hines has been a plus defender this season but has struggled at the plate. It bottomed out Tuesday, when he left nine runners on base in the loss to Troy.

North Alabama transfer Gehrig Frei started at first base against Rice and Campbell transfer Reed Stallman started versus Arizona.

Hines, who’s fourth in program history with 56 home runs, returned to the lineup Sunday but went 0-for-4. He’s now batting .200 with two home runs and six RBIs.

Does Mississippi State need to adjust its starting pitching rotation?

Pico Kohn had another strong start against Rice, allowing three runs in 6⅓ innings. There’s no need to alter what he’s brought this season.

However, Karson Ligon and Stone Simmons both struggled in their starts this weekend. Ligon lasted only two innings, allowing five runs, one of them unearned, to Arizona. His ERA is now 7.36. Simmons was roughed up for six runs in 2⅔ innings by Oklahoma State, though three of them were unearned.

If Mississippi State were to change its weekend rotation, Indiana State transfer Jacob Pruitt could be an option. Pruitt did not have a good debut, allowing three runs in one relief inning against Manhattan. But he started Tuesday against Troy in his next appearance and threw four brilliant innings with nine strikeouts and no walks. The Trojans’ only hit was a solo home run.

Ace Reese beginning to break out

A return to where Ace Reese starred as a freshman last season may have been just what he needed.

The starting third baseman had a slow start to the season at the plate, but played his best series this weekend. Across the three games, Reese batted 6-for-12 with three home runs, six RBIs, four runs and one walk.

Reese was on the All-Big 12 Freshman Team last season at Houston, the same city where the showcase was played.

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

8 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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