Bulldogs end losing streak, defeat Lions

A nine-game losing streak finally came to an end for Mississippi State on Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs are in the middle of their worst stretch in 12 years as they've been swept in consecutive Southeastern Conference series and had dropped nearly doubledigit games. It was looking like a continuation of those struggles in the first inning against North Alabama.

After State gave up four runs in the first, the Bulldog bullpen shut things down and the offense got rolling on the way to a 14-4 midweek win in eight innings.

“Winning is a lot better than losing – I can tell you that,” MSU head coach Chris Lemonis said. “Lately it's just been a lot of stress, but we separated. It's nice to play a game and be relaxed, have fun and enjoy it. It was a good night for our guys.”

It was an awful start for Bulldog pitching, but the bullpen was exceptional. Freshman Cole Cheatham got his first start and lasted just 0.2 innings giving up four runs on four hits and a walk before giving way to Drew Talley.

Talley, Cam Tullar and Mikey Tepper combined to go 7.1 innings in relief giving up five hits, walking one and holding the Lions scoreless. They struck out eight batters as well to make sure the offense was able to get rolling.

“Cole Cheatham was throwing strikes and it's 9092 (miles per hour) strikes just missing up. I thought Drew slowed them down and Cam gave us some nice length in the game.”

After that top of the first, the Bulldogs were patient at the plate and walked five times in the opening frame dropping seven runs to go up 7-4. That lead stayed where it was for the next three innings before State had four walks and scored a run in the fifth. That lead was extended out to 13-4 in the sixth with five runs that was highlighted by Brad Cumbest's three-run home run.

MSU got a bases loaded sac fly from RJ Yeager in the eighth inning with nobody out to walk it off in the run rule.

The Bulldogs pounded out 13 hits in the win with three of those coming from Yeager. One of the SEC'S best hitters during conference play went 3-for-3 with three RBI and two walks. It's continued what's been a monster year for Yeager whose batting average is up to .328 with 17 home runs and he had his 15th double of the year. On top of that, he was selected a finalist for the prestigious Ferris Trophy Award this week for the best player in the state.

“Coach (Ron) Polk called me