Three Takeaways From Mississippi State's Baseball 12-2 Win against Valparaiso

After a big weekend of baseball, playing in the Frisco College Baseball Classic, the Bulldogs came back home eager to play. Back in Dudy Noble this week the Bulldogs start off with a 12-2 win against Valparaiso. 

Here are three takeaways from Tuesday night's game.

1. Freshman Bradley Loftin stands strong on the mound.

Loftin excelled during Tuesday night's game, he supported the Bulldogs to a big win. He struck out a career-high 11 earned his first collegiate victory and went a career-high of six innings and struck out the side twice. 

Throughout the entirety of the contest, Loftin allowed just two hits along with the two earned runs. So far this season Loftin hasn't seen a whole lot of field time but after proving himself tonight fans should expect to see him more often as State continues to work through some of its pitching inconsistencies.

2. Five players collect multiple hits in the contest.

Not only was MSU strong on the mound in Tuesday's game, but it was stiff behind the plate as well. 

Bryce Chance led the way by going 2-for-4 at-bat and had two RBIs. Right behind him Luke Hancock picked up two doubles in the game and reached twice on walks.

David Mershon made his first collegiate appearance and went 2-for-3 with a walk. 

Kellum Clark and Hunter Hines both capped their two-hit days with back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the sixth. Hancock had a two-run home run to right extending the bulldog lead by seven. Clark also came in with his solo shot and State ended the sixth inning with a 10-2 lead.

3. Dominance in a run-rule.

On top of all the incredible scoring and pitching in Tuesday's game, the Bulldogs run-ruled Valparaiso in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving them some momentum as the continue the season on the note of a dominant victory. To end off the action in which State never lost sight, Conor Hujsak drew a walk with bases loaded, running in Chance. Nate Chester soon followed with a single to left enforcing the run rule.

The Bulldogs return to action this weekend in the Dude against Lipscomb in a three-game series starting March 10th at 6 p.m. CT.