HATTIESBURG — Mississippi State has to wait another day to fight for its season.
MSU’s elimination game against UIC in the Hattiesburg Regional, previously scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., was delayed throughout the game and eventually postponed to Sunday at 10 a.m.
If MSU beats UIC, it will play a second elimination game scheduled for 6 p.m. against the loser of the Southern Mississippi vs. South Alabama game taking place at 2 p.m.
The Dispatch reached out to the NCAA for comment on the process for the rescheduling and was told a statement would be forthcoming. The statement was not received in time for print.
MSU said the delay does not impact its pitching plans. Konnor Pilkington will start for MSU against UIC; MSU’s season-long ace is coming off of his eight innings of shutout, five-hit pitching against Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
UIC’s lineup proved itself as dangerous in being sent to the elimination bracket, scoring seven runs on USM in the loss Friday. The Flames entered the NCAA Tournament as the Horizon League’s leaders in batting average and on-base percentage after winning the conference title.
The grounds crew spent most of the morning aerating the outfield, a process in which it promotes air flow and drainage in the grass for a short-term fix. A grounds crew member said around 1 p.m., when rain lightened, they were called upon to roll and squeegee the outfield grass in hopes of playing later in the day. Rain intensified shortly thereafter and grounds crew were not called upon again before the official postponement.
The rain made the tailgating scene a far cry from what it was the day before. For Friday’s first day of games, tents carrying school logos for both USM and MSU were seen on multiple blocks of West 4th Street, running parallel with the first base line. By lunch, tents were absent almost entirely; by the time the games were officially postponed around 5:30, parking lots were nearly empty.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
