How Watch: No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 25 South Carolina

Mississippi State has been near-dominant against non-conference foes, going 20-3 this season. The Bulldogs haven’t been nearly as dominant in SEC play with a 6-6 record, but that could change this weekend.

For the first time in conference action this season, No. 16 Mississippi State is the higher ranked team. The Bulldogs travel to Columbia, S.C. to face No. 25 South Carolina for a three-game series starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

The Bulldogs’ offense enters the weekend as one of the nation’s best. They rank in the top 10 in scoring, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, RBIs and walks. Madisyn Kennedy is one of the nation’s best hitters, ranking third nationally in slugging percentage (1.053) and ninth in home runs (14).

However, South Carolina’s strength is on defense. The Gamecocks’ pitching staff has the sixth-best ERA (1.63) in the nation and has thrown 11 shutouts this season, while the infield ranks 13th in double plays.

What: No. 16 Mississippi State (26-9, 6-6 SEC)) at No. 25 South Carolina (27-10, 3-6 SEC)

When: Game 1, 5 p.m. Friday; Game 2, 1 p.m. Saturday; Game 3, 11 a.m. Sunday.

Where: Nusz Park, Starkville, Miss.

TV: Games 1 and 3 will air on SEC Network+. Game 2 will air on SEC Network.

Series: MSU leads all-time series, 35-33

Last Meeting: Bulldogs swept last season’s three-game series 6-5, 4-1, 9-1.

Last time out, South Carolina: On Wednesday night, South Carolina defeated Winthrop 2-1 in 11 innings. The win follows South Carolina’s three-game sweep of Ole Miss.

Last time out, MSU: Bulldogs defeated UAB 14-0 on Wednesday for their 13th run-rule victory this season.