Mississippi State beats Vanderbilt 13-2 to force decisive Game 3
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OMAHA, Neb. -- Mississippi State's first three wins in the College World Series were one-run games. The Bulldogs' fourth was a blowout, and it was well-timed.
Houston Harding and Preston Johnson combined on a four-hitter and MSU capitalized on struggling Vanderbilt pitching in a 13-2 victory Tuesday night that forced a deciding third game in the College World Series finals.
The easy win allowed Bulldogs coach Chris Lemonis to hold back rested pitchers, including star reliever Landon Sims, for the winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday night.
"We're ecstatic because, one, we're still playing, and, two, we used two arms tonight," Lemonis said. "We have an opportunity to use some different guys tomorrow now because of the score. It was nice after the game. I grabbed Landon, I said, 'Man, it was sure nice not having to pitch you tonight' because I feel like in every win for the last month he has been out there."
The Commodores (49-17) will be going for their second straight national title and third since 2014 after their most lopsided loss in their 29 all-time CWS games.
"Just got to have a short memory," Vandy's CJ Rodriguez said. "I think we need to wash it out as fast as we can and get it done tomorrow."
The Bulldogs (49-18) will be playing for their first championship.
"This game is done, and we're going to remain cool, calm and collected and bring the same energy out tomorrow," MSU's Scotty Dubrule said. "Tomorrow is a new day and we're going to have to face some tough arms."
The start in this one was delayed two hours because of rain, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of another pro-MSU crowd that included Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in a pinstriped "State" baseball jersey and former NFL QB Jay Cutler and basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse representing Vandy.
Like Game 1, when Vanderbilt scored seven first-inning runs on its way to an 8-2 win, this one was over early as Mississippi State broke things open with a four-run third inning.
"Big bounce-back game from our guys, just a resilient group," Lemonis said after MSU's biggest winning margin in Omaha since beating Georgia Southern 15-1 in 1990. "We've had our back against the wall feels like all year long and they just keep responding."