Who Has Stepped Up at the Plate for Mississippi State Baseball During Conference Play?

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs have gotten off to a good start in SEC play as they sit at 6-6. However, the Bulldogs have left some meat on the bone as they have let a few games barely slip away. 

One player on this team has stepped up since conference play began a month ago and is playing the best baseball of his career. Connor Hujsak played sparingly a season ago, seeing action in 25 games and making six starts. However, he was never impressive even in that short time, as he only hit .238.

Coming into the season, many expectations were placed on the former VCU shortstop. The talent and athleticism were evident. Mississippi State head coach Chris Lemonis has compared his athletic ability to former Bulldog and first-round pick Jordan Westburg. 

"He's a super athletic kid," Lemonis said. 

The New Hampshire native played in the outfield a season ago, but this year, the once-infielder would be expected to play center field. He has done excellent in that role and has a tremendous range for a 6-2 200-pounder. 

Hujsak hit well in non-conference play but has taken another step in SEC play. The comfort level has risen for the centerfielder, knowing he is a staple of the MSU lineup. 

"He is more comfortable being out there every day," Lemonis said. 

That comfort level has translated to results as the righty is batting .362 in conference play, which leads all other starters. Dakota Jordan and Hunter Hines are the clear stars of this team, but they have been up and down throughout SEC play so far; Hujsak stays within himself and picks the two of them up when needed. 

 "Let yourself be in the moment, and don't overthink it," Hujsak said. "I don't think I changed anything, just being myself."

Hujsak also has picked up his power numbers in conference play as he has hit four of his six home runs this season against SEC foes. His most significant home run to date came in game one against Georgia. 

When the Bulldogs took on the Gators a week prior, they struggled in the clutch on the mound and at the plate. In game one, it seemed like it would be another nerve-wracking event for MSU as they led 2-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. 

However, this time, the Bulldogs would come up clutch as Hines hit a backside single to add an insurance run. Hujsak stepped up to the plate with two runners, and he delivered by crushing a three-run bomb to left and sent the crowd at Dudy Noble Field into a frenzy. 

"It felt really good," Hujsak said. "In the moment, I probably blacked out a little bit." 

The Bulldogs were desperate for a clutch hit, and they got it, which showed why this team is different than the previous two years. Hines and Jordan will come along, but what Hujsak has done for this team is incredible and something many would not have expected. 

Hujsak has a simple approach to sustain this success. 

"Trust my athletic ability and keep working hard every day," Hujsak said.