STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State baseball team needed a game where it could play a lot of players and get younger players some experience.

With the starters and veterans getting most of the playing time in the first two weekends, there wasn’t much time to get freshmen or backups playing time.

In a 14-0 victory against Alcorn State on Tuesday night at Dudy Noble Field, No. 24 MSU used 22 players, including 15 position players and eight pitchers (Reid Humphreys pinch hit and pitched the ninth inning).

“One of the strengths of our team is we have a lot of depth, whether it be in the outfield or pitching,” sophomore outfielder Brent Rooker said. “We’ve got a lot of really talented guys who haven’t played as much as I know they want to. It’s always good to have games where you get everybody in.”

MSU (7-2) sent 12 men the plate and had seven-straight hits in an eight-run first. Rooker’s two-run double was the highlight.

MSU added a run in the second and two in the third. That’s when MSU coach John Cohen took his starters out and gave some younger players a chance to earn experience.

“You don’t know if you’re going to be able to do those things, but when the situation presents itself it’s really nice to have that luxury to get all those guys out there,” Cohen said.

Rooker (1-for-2, two RBIs) and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (2-for-3, RBI) had abbreviated evenings, something Rooker was happy to experience after starting the first nine games.

“We’ve got some guys banged up and sore after two four-game weekends,” Rooker said. “It’s big to get some starters out and be able to get some treatment done and just have a light night.”

Cohen’s biggest fear entering the game was the Bulldogs would overlook the Braves (1-7) and look ahead to a three-game set this weekend in Los Angeles, but he was glad his team focused. He said he didn’t hear one word about the trip.

Lowe said MSU didn’t overlook Alcorn State, and that he, too, was glad to get the rest.

“Every day you get out here you have to compete, but it was nice to get out early and get some time to have the legs rest,” Lowe said.

Jack Kruger led MSU with three hits, while Cody Brown, Ryan Gridley, and Hunter Stovall had two hits.

Junior left-hander Vance Tatum was scheduled to start, but freshman right-hander Keegan James (2-0) earned the call and went one inning and allowed one hit. Tatum pitched the eighth and gave up one hit.

MSU used six freshman pitchers, including left-hander Konnor Pilkington, who made his Bulldog debut. Pilkington didn’t allow a hit and struck out one in two innings.

Many of the freshmen pitchers struggled in their debuts in the opening game against Florida Atlantic. Some of them have pitched since, but outside of James and Ryan Cyr, they didn’t allow a hit against the Braves.

Rooker said the freshmen can’t be judged on their first appearance and said nerves and jitters played a part.

Lowe wasn’t surprised by how they pitched.

“I saw them do it all fall and all spring. It’s just a matter of when they’re going to do it against other teams,” Lowe said. “They’re all talented. I’m glad they got that head start (Tuesday night).”

MSU will play No. 14 UCLA (3-5) on Friday, Southern California (5-3) on Saturday, and Oklahoma (4-5) on Sunday in the 2016 Dodger Stadium Classic.

Cohen was glad to use a lot players, including freshman infielder Luke Alexander, who was sick over the weekend and John Holland, who has been battling a back injury.

“I thought our kids were really focused on the task at hand, and really proud they were able to answer the bell,” Cohen said.

n In related news, Cohen said senior catcher Josh Lovelady is out for the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

Lovelady injured his knee Friday backing up first base on the first play of the game.

“It’s a real shame,” Cohen said. “That kid’s worked real hard. He will have a redshirt available, at least we think he will have a redshirt available so we can have him back for next year.”

MSU still has four catching options, including freshmen Elih Marrero and Stovall. Junior Gavin Collins caught the past two seasons, but he was moved to third base. Kruger has yet to catch because of arm surgery. Cohen said Kruger will try to play this weekend if his arm feels up to it.

Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait

Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.