News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
No. 10 Texas A&M dropped the series opener, 18-11, to No. 13 Mississippi State Thursday night from Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
The Aggies (37-13, 16-11) got off to a fast start in the opening frame as Gavin Grahovac led off with a solo shot to right-center field. Chris Hacopian followed suit, nailing his ninth home run of the season to left field to put the Maroon & White ahead, 2-0.
Texas A&M was doomed by a 13-run third inning from the Mississippi State (39-14, 16-12) bats. The visitors drove 12 base knocks to take an 11-run advantage. A solo homer in the fourth inning put the Bulldogs up, 14-2.
After back-to-back singles from Jake Duer and Ben Royo, the Aggies were able to scratch back a pair of runs in the fourth behind a two-RBI single from Jorian Wilson.
Mississippi State extended its lead to 17-4 in the fifth inning, plating three runs behind a solo homer and a fielding error.
In the home half of the frame, Hacopian drew a walk and Bear Harrison laced a double down the left field line. Duer launched the Aggies’ third long ball of the game to right-center field, bringing three runs across the plate.
The Maroon & White added tacked on a run in the seventh inning on an RBI groundout from Harrison. A pair of doubles from Grahovac and Caden Sorrell plated three runs, making it a 17-11 game in the eighth inning. The Bulldogs added an insurance run in the top of the ninth to seal the final score at 18-11.
Ethan Darden (4-2) worked 2.0 innings as the starter, allowing three runs off two hits while striking out two. Gavin Lyons, Grant Cunningham, Hunter Bond, Juan Vargas, Cole Hubert, Hunter Vincent and Cooper Powell all followed out of the bullpen. The freshman trio of Hubert, Vincent and Powell pitched the final four frames, allowing one run off two hits while punching out eight batters.
UP NEXT
No. 10 Texas A&M continues the series against No. 13 Mississippi State on Friday from Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park. The contest will stream on SEC Network+ with first pitch slated for 6 p.m.