Unpacking another SEC series loss for Mississippi State baseball vs. South Carolina
STARKVILLE — There was a chance for Mississippi State baseball on Saturday to win its first SEC series since last April. After a 13-3 win against No. 8 South Carolina the night before, snapping an 18-game conference losing streak dating back to last season, MSU had a chance for a breakthrough.
Instead, familiar issues hurt the Bulldogs in a 14-5 loss. Mississippi State (16-13, 1-8 SEC) allowed 10 runs in the final two innings on just seven hits. It started with a hit-by-pitch from KC Hunt in the eighth. He was replaced by Aaron Nixon, who saw his first hitter reach via an error. That was followed by another hit-by-pitch, a strikeout and a bases-clearing double.
An error and a walk set up South Carolina (26-3, 8-1) for a seven-run ninth inning to put the game on ice and keep coach Chris Lemonis’ squad from a much-needed series win.
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Kellum Clark moves to leadoff spot
Diving into the numbers, Lemonis noticed a trend with outfielder Kellum Clark, who has typically been in the heart of the lineup. He was 16-for-22 when leading off, so Lemonis figured it was worth moving Clark to the top of the lineup in the final two games.
“That’s really how simple that was,” Lemonis said.
Clark went 4-for-10 with four runs atop the lineup – a role he accepted with little hesitation.
“Kellum Clark is a Mississippi State Bulldog,” Lemonis said. “He will run through a wall. There’s never a comment. He is as tough and hard-nosed a kid as you will find.”
Cade Smith returns
For the first time since his rough start against Arizona State on Feb. 24, Cade Smith returned to the mound for Mississippi State. Smith entered the season as the Friday ace and the lone consistent starter from last season returning this year.
However, Smith only made two appearances through the first month while battling injury. He showed promise in his return Friday.
Smith took over for starter Landon Gartman, who went five innings. He threw two scoreless innings, helping secure a run-rule win for MSU in seven innings. Smith walked one batter but allowed no hits and collected two strikeouts.
Returning to the starting rotation remains an option for Smith, but the staff showed promise against South Carolina for the first time this season. Freshman switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje allowed three runs in five innings Thursday before Gartman followed it up.
However, if Lemonis elects to move Nate Dohm – who allowed three runs in 5⅔ innings Saturday − back to the bullpen, a door could open again for Smith.
Dakota Jordan can rake
The freshman class has been a bright spot at times for Mississippi State, and outfielder Dakota Jordan has been the latest example. Jordan blasted a two-run home run in the sixth inning Saturday to give MSU a 4-3 lead after falling behind 3-0 in the first.
For Jordan, that was his second home run in as many games and his third of the season. He has 10 hits and seven runs batted in across his last four games.
The Jackson Academy product hit a 487-foot home run in Friday’s win.
What’s next?
Mississippi State hosts Grambling on Tuesday (6 p.m., SEC Network+) before a series at Alabama.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Unpacking Mississippi State baseball's series loss vs. South Carolina
