AP Sports Preview

Mississippi State hosts LSU in SEC baseball showdown

STARKVILLE, Miss. (Interstat) — Mississippi State (31-10, 12-6 SEC) opens a crucial Southeastern Conference series against LSU (24-18, 7-11) on Friday evening at Dudy Noble Field at Polk-DeMent Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies, with temperatures expected at 78 degrees.

The Bulldogs enter on a roll, having won four straight games, including a 6-2 victory Tuesday over Memphis. Mississippi State boasts the league’s best record and sits near the top of the SEC standings. LSU, conversely, has dropped four of its last five, including a 5-2 loss to Texas A&M on Sunday.

Mississippi State’s offense is fueled by sophomore infielder Vytas Valincius. In Tuesday’s win, Valincius went 2-for-2 with a home run and four RBIs. Over his last six starts, he is batting .400 (6-for-15) with two homers and five RBIs. His recent output includes a 3-for-5 performance in a 4-3 win at South Carolina on April 19.

LSU counters with right-handed pitcher Grant Fontenot. The Tigers’ reliever has been effective of late, tossing 4.0 innings of two-run ball Tuesday against New Orleans, striking out five. In his last four outings, Fontenot has surrendered three earned runs over 9.2 innings with 10 strikeouts. However, he was tagged for two runs in just one-third of an inning April 12 at Mississippi.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-3 Bulldogs victory.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday, both at Dudy Noble Field. LSU then returns home Tuesday to face Southeastern Louisiana. Mississippi State hosts Mississippi on Tuesday at Trustmark Park in Jackson.