All hands on deck for Mississippi State going into Texas Tech, Arkansas series
Pitchers like David Dunlavey are very important in weeks like the one Mississippi State Bulldogs are about to face.
The No. 10 Bulldogs play Texas Tech tonight and Wednesday, then open up the Southeastern Conference schedule at home against Arkansas Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
After pitching three innings and getting a win last Sunday against Quinnipiac, MSU head coach Chris Lemonis believes
Dunlavey can be a factor again at some point this week.
“I think we're in a good spot,” Lemonis said of the pitching staff. “I think getting through the weekend got us to a good spot. David was so efficient, he would be available (today) or Wednesday, so I think we have all of our guys ready.”
Dunlavey, who has a 2-1 record and 1.69 earned run average in four appearances with the Bulldogs, was a starter during his days at Furman, but has adjusted to a relief role for now.
He is just looking forward to the next opportunity to help the team in whatever role.
“I feel good any time I get to get out on the mound,” Dunlavey said. “It's a little different getting ready. Once you get out there, it feels the same to me.”
MSU has not run from the challenges of the pre-conference slate. After hosting Oregon State in a three-game series, the Bulldogs take on No. 2 Texas Tech for two games in Biloxi.
No matter the opponent, the focus for Lemonis and his team remains the same.
“Our goal every day is to play great baseball,” Lemonis said. “It is a big week when you are playing Texas Tech and Arkansas. The next week you roll into Baton Rouge (against LSU).
“That's what it is. When you come here, you know you are going to play the best. You are in the best conference in the country and the best division of the best conference in the country. It's just another good team after another good team. We've just got to be ready to play.”
MSU improved its record to
10-4 after sweeping Quinnipiac last weekend.
Even though the Bulldogs still haven't performed at their best in all three phases, they get to see how they stack up against the Raiders.
“It's going to be a good matchup,” State shortstop Jordan Westburg said. “I know they are hot right now and have some good arms and good bats. I think this sweep is going to give us some momentum.”
The games against Texas Tech will be an opportunity for MSU to play on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at MGM Stadium, which is the home of the Biloxi Shuckers. The Shuckers are the Doublea
minor league team of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Bulldogs return to the coast for the third time since 2016 and Lemonis likes to showcase his team for the fans of that area.
“They've responded because they've bought a lot of tickets,” Lemonis said. “It should be a fun two days and we'll find out a lot about our ball club.”
MSU and Texas Tech will start the series at 6 p.m. tonight with the second game set for 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Left-handed junior pitcher Houston Harding (0-0, 6.75) will get the start on the mound tonight for the Bulldogs.