NewsBreak Original

Well, that was certainly fun. At least for the years that it lasted. Unless circumstances change, the University of California’s baseball team, descendants of the squad that captured the first College World Series (CWS) 76 years ago in 1947, and then again in 1957, could become a program without a conference in 2025. An institution that has made it to Omaha six times, most recently in 2011, will no longer be a member of the same conference as USC, UCLA, or the universities in Arizona.

As you open this, the 2023 edition of the College World Series, conditions permitting, should have ended. Weather in Omaha, as well as in Cary (North Carolina) and Cedar Rapids (Iowa), the D-II and D-III sites, respectively, and all of the other collegiate championship sites, can wreak havoc on plans and schedules. As of this writing, the Division 1 Mens’ College World Series field was down to two teams. Either Florida or LSU has claimed the championship at that highest level of intercollegiate play (interestingly, neither even made it to the SEC championship game last month), and many of their stars have shifted focus to the MLB draft next month. But what about the rest of the college baseball universe?

In college baseball, each team's journey to victory is shaped inning by inning. An inning, the fundamental unit of the game, represents an opportunity for teams to showcase their skills, strategize, and score runs. Beyond the traditional diamond and the statistics that fill scorecards, understanding the intricacies of innings can unlock success. In this article, we delve into the realm of innings in college baseball, decoding the strategies, factors, and mental aspects that contribute to a team's triumph.

Welcome to the thrilling world of college baseball, where passion, skill, and the pursuit of victory converge on the diamond. Each year, teams from universities across the nation take to the field, showcasing their talent and captivating audiences with their electrifying performances. And at the heart of this enthralling sport lies the concept of innings.

One legendary baseball coach has announced that he will be retiring towards the end of March, ending an incredible 54-season tenure at the helm highlighted by multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and several conference championships.

LOS ANGELES — Mississippi State had two players selected on Day 2 of the 2022 MLB Draft on Monday, giving the Bulldogs four total selections through the first 10 rounds. Right-handed pitcher Preston Johnson was the first MSU player off the board on Day 2 after being selected by the Baltimore Orioles as the No. 197 overall pick in the seventh round. Outfielder Brad Cumbest was then selected by the Colorado Rockies as the No. 266 overall pick in the ninth round.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Mississippi State baseball team’s losing streak was extended to nine games with an 8-2 loss to No. 10 Texas A&M in Sunday’s series finale at Blue Bell Park.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Florida sophomore Sterlin Thompson homered to right field in the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie before the Gators scored four more runs in the ninth to beat Mississippi State 6-2 in Sunday’s series finale at Dudy Noble Field.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Graduate student RJ Yeager went 3-for-6 with five RBIs and two runs, senior pitcher Brandon Smith struck out eight batters in 7 1⁄3 innings and the Mississippi State baseball team beat Missouri 13-4 Friday night at Taylor Stadium to open a three-game Southeastern Conference series.

PEARL, Miss. — With the game tied 2-2, Mississippi State surrendered three runs to Ole Miss in the fifth inning, falling 5-2 in the annual Governor's Cup on Tuesday night at Trustmark Park.

OXFORD, Miss. — The Mississippi State baseball team beat Ole Miss 7-6 in 11 innings on Saturday at Swayze Field after senior Brad Cumbest hit a go-ahead home run to win its sixth straight series over the Rebels.

OXFORD, Miss. — The Mississippi State baseball team cranked out 18 hits en route to a 10-7 win over Ole Miss Friday night at Swayze Field to even the three-game series. The Bulldogs (23-17, 7-10 SEC) erased a 4-1 deficit by scoring the next nine runs to take a 10-4 lead in the top of the eighth inning. The Rebels (22-16, 6-11 SEC) scored three runs in the bottom half of the eighth, but MSU held on to force a rubber match.

OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi State gave up a three-run home run to Ole Miss in the bottom of the first inning, and that proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs fell to the Rebels 4-2 Thursday night at Swayze Field in the first game of the three-game Southeastern Conference series.

OXFORD, Miss. — The Mississippi State baseball team heads north for a Southeastern Conference battle against in-state rival Ole Miss beginning Thursday at 6 p.m. CT at Swayze Field on SEC Network.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State baseball team cruised to a 17-2 seven-inning win over Jackson State on Tuesday at Dudy Noble Field. The Bulldogs (22-16, 6-9 SEC) scored one run in the first inning, five in the second, two in the fourth, five in the fifth and four in the sixth. The Tigers (18-19, 6-9 SWAC) scored both their runs in the fifth inning.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State baseball fell to No. 17 Auburn 3-2 in Saturday’s series finale at Dudy Noble Field. Despite the loss, MSU managed to win the Southeastern Conference series two games to one with a 7-6 win on Thursday and a 9-5 win on Friday.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State junior pitcher Preston Johnson struck out a career-high 12 batters, the offense compiled 14 hits and the Bulldogs beat No. 17 Auburn 9-5 Friday night at Dudy Noble Field to claim a series win.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, including a bases-loaded walk-off walk from senior Luke Hancock, to beat No. 17 Auburn 7-6 in Thursday’s series opener at Dudy Noble Field.

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State topped UAB 6-5 in 10 innings on Tuesday at Dudy Noble Field. The Bulldogs (19-15, 4-8 SEC) trailed the Blazers (21-11, 7-5 C-USA) 5-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth before freshman Hunter Hines tied the game with a two-run home run. In the bottom of the 10th inning, junior Kamren James lifted a game-winning RBI sacrifice fly to right field.