Mississippi State Makes Bold Pitching Move: Will Bullpen Strategy Spark Postseason Surge?
Mississippi State’s baseball team made a strategic shift during the 2025 NCAA Tournament by turning to junior sinkerball specialist Ben Davis as a starter in the Tallahassee Regional. Davis, making his first start since March 22, delivered a solid performance against Northeastern, allowing only two runs over 5.1 innings and contributing to a 12–2 victory.
Despite this tactical adjustment, the Bulldogs’ postseason run concluded after a 10–3 loss to Florida State in the regional final. Throughout the season, Mississippi State showcased a potent offense, hitting .307 as a team and tying a program record with 97 home runs.
The decision to utilize Davis in a starting role highlights the coaching staff’s willingness to adapt and seek solutions within the bullpen. As the team looks ahead, this experience may inform future strategies to enhance postseason performance.