Missouri’s baseball team delivered a surprise victory on Thursday, edging Ole Miss 10‑8 in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. The win marks the Tigers’ first step toward a potential deep run in the conference championship.
A Surprising Turn in Hoover
The Tigers will now travel to face Mississippi State in a second‑round contest scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The game will be televised on the SEC Network and streamed via the ESPN App, giving fans nationwide access to the showdown.
Pitching Matchups and Historical Context
Missouri plans to start left‑hander Brady Kehlenbrink, who enters the game with a 3‑9 record and a 6.69 ERA. Across the mound, Mississippi State’s pitching rotation remains undecided, with official announcements expected later in the evening. Notably, the two programs did not meet during the regular season, though Mississippi State had swept a three‑game series from Missouri earlier in 2025.
Missouri head coach Kerrick Jackson praised the Bulldogs, describing them as a "quality program" and acknowledging the strategic insights his staff gained from pitching coach Drew Dickinson, a former member of Mississippi State’s coaching staff. Dickinson’s familiarity with Mississippi State’s strategies could prove pivotal for the Tigers’ game plan.
Looking Ahead to the Regionals
Beyond the immediate matchup, Mississippi State is slated to host a regional in the NCAA tournament next weekend, adding extra stakes to the Tigers’ performance. The upcoming game will test Missouri’s resilience and could shape their postseason trajectory.