The Cincinnati Bearcats saw their NCAA tournament run jeopardized after a 10-5 loss to Mississippi State, a game that swung dramatically in the fifth through seventh innings.
Mississippi State pitcher Tomas Valencius dominated the mound, fanning 10 batters across 7.1 innings while keeping the Bearcats’ hitters at bay.
The Bulldogs erupted for nine runs during that pivotal stretch, highlighted by Reed Stallman’s three-run single, Kevin Milewski’s two-run homer and Ace Reese’s solo shot, while Cal Sefcik was the only Bearcat to register multiple hits.
A decisive late inning
Coach Jordan Bischel pointed to the team’s inability to command the strike zone as a key factor, noting that the late rally only prevented the defeat from matching the season’s worst margin.
The Bearcats now turn their attention to a Sunday showdown with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at 3 p.m. Eastern, an elimination game that could keep their championship hopes alive.