Almost 11 years have passed since Mississippi State baseball last made a trip to Charlottesville, Va. In 2013, I accompanied the Diamond Dogs to Virginia as the baseball sport administrator, representing the athletic department for the NCAA Super Regional at UVA.
After winning a regional at Dudy Noble Field, defeating Central Arkansas, the team headed to Charlottesville for a series against the Cavaliers to secure a spot in the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Traveling on a charter flight, many of the players experienced their first flight. However, the journey wasn’t without its turbulence. The pilot, later revealed to be a Navy fighter, had to make a sharp turn during the approach due to misalignment, leading to a moment of discomfort for some passengers.
Once on the ground, the team practiced at Disharoon Park/Davenport Field and attended a meeting with the tournament committee. There was a sense that Virginia considered Mississippi State lucky to be there, but the Bulldogs were ready to prove themselves.
The games were intense from the start. Adam Frazier set a school record for hits in a single game, contributing to MSU’s early lead. Despite a strong start by Virginia, Mississippi State’s offense prevailed, ultimately securing a decisive victory with Ross Mitchell closing out the game.
Game 2 was interrupted by rain, requiring completion on a different day. Mississippi State maintained their lead, with Wes Rea’s powerful home run and Chad Girodo’s pitching dominance putting them on the brink of victory.
When the game resumed, Jonathan Holder took the mound for MSU, and the team continued to perform well offensively. Despite some tense moments, including errors, Mississippi State held on for a 6-5 win, sweeping the series and earning a spot in the College World Series National Championship series.
