- Gunnar Johnson Walks Off Notre Dame to Win Weekend Series
- Byline: April 14, 2025
- The stadium buzzed with tension as the sun dipped low over Dudy Noble Field, casting golden light across the dirt and grass. It had been a grueling three-game series between Mississippi State and Notre Dame, with each team claiming one win apiece. Now, in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied 5โ5, all eyes turned to freshman phenom Gunnar Johnson.
- Johnson, a 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter from Tupelo, had already made his mark earlier in the series, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in Friday nightโs win. But now, with the series on the line, he was staring down Notre Dameโs closer, senior right-hander Jack McGreevy, whose fastball had been untouchable all season.
- With runners on first and second, one out, and the crowd on its feet, Johnson stepped into the box. The first pitch came in hotโ94 mph on the black. Strike one. Johnson didnโt flinch. McGreevy followed with a sharp slider that just missed the outside edge. Ball one. Johnson fouled off the next pitch, sending it screaming into the third-base stands. One ball, two strikes.
- Coach Lamont signaled from the dugout, but Johnson didnโt need instructions. Heโd seen McGreevy twice already and knew what to expect.
- The next pitchโa hanging curveโcame in chest high, and Johnson didnโt miss. He turned on it with explosive torque, sending the ball rocketing to right-center. The crowd exploded as the ball sailed over the head of Notre Dameโs center fielder, landing just shy of the warning track.
- The runner from second was already rounding third. The throw came in, off-target and late. Mississippi State 6, Notre Dame 5. Walk-off. Series won.
- Johnson was mobbed by teammates at second base, fists pumping and shouts echoing through the stadium. The freshman had delivered the biggest hit of his young college career, and Dudy Noble erupted in celebration.
- In the postgame press conference, Coach Lamont didnโt hold back. โThat kidโs got ice in his veins,โ he said. โHeโs been clutch all season, but to come through in that momentโagainst a pitcher like McGreevyโthat says something.โ
- For Johnson, it was surreal. โI just wanted a pitch I could drive,โ he said, grinning through eye black and a face full of Gatorade. โI wasnโt trying to do too much. I just wanted to get the job done for the team.โ
- The win moved Mississippi State to 22โ9 on the season and 8โ4 in SEC play, while Notre Dame fell to 19โ12. More than just a series win, it was a statement. The Bulldogs had found a spark in their youngest player, and momentum was clearly on their side heading into a tough stretch of conference play.
- As the crowd filtered out and the field lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Gunna
- r Johnson had arrived.
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Tuesday, May 27
Freshman Sensation Gunnar Johnson Delivers Dramatic Walk-Off Double to Clinch Series Victory Over Notre Dame
