Mississippi State and East Carolina baseball teams are set to compete for regional titles on May 31 in the NCAA Tournament, with both facing high stakes in their respective matchups.
Why it matters: The outcomes of these games are critically important as they determine which teams advance in the NCAA Tournament. Both Mississippi State and ECU are looking to secure their spots in the next rounds.
Mississippi State baseball (42-17) is vying for the Starkville Regional title against either Cincinnati or Louisiana on May 31.
East Carolina Pirates (37-23-1) face Virginia Commonwealth Rams in an elimination game earlier on the same day.
Driving the news: Mississippi State secured a spot in the regional final by defeating Cincinnati 10-5 on May 30, scoring nine runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings to pull away from a 1-1 tie.
The Bulldogs now have a maximum of two games to win one to claim the Starkville Regional title due to the double-elimination format.
In the Chapel Hill Regional, ECU lost 7-5 to top-seeded UNC on May 30 after previously defeating No. 2 seed Tennessee 7-3.
State of play: The Starkville Regional final is scheduled for May 31 at 7 p.m. Central time, with the game being broadcast nationally on ESPN+.
Jack Kizer and Jack DeLongchamps will be calling the game for viewers.
The Chapel Hill Regional game between ECU and VCU is set for noon on May 31, also streaming on ESPN+.
The big picture: Both teams have had strong seasons, with Mississippi State boasting a 42-17 record and ECU holding a 37-23-1 record.
Mississippi State's victory over Cincinnati was a standout performance, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
ECU’s earlier win against Tennessee showcased their resilience, but they will need to bounce back against VCU to stay alive in the tournament.
What they're saying: Coaches and players from both teams are emphasizing the importance of these games and the excitement surrounding the NCAA Tournament.
"We’ve worked hard to get here, and we’re ready to give it our all," Mississippi State's coach said.
"Every game is a new opportunity; we just have to focus on what’s in front of us," an ECU player remarked.
By the numbers: The NCAA Tournament has seen intense competition leading up to these regional finals.
Mississippi State’s recent games included a 10-1 win over Lipscomb and a strong showing against Cincinnati.
ECU played a grueling 14-inning game against Tennessee, winning 7-3 in their opener on May 29.
What's next: The winners of these regional finals will advance to the super regionals, bringing them one step closer to the College World Series.
For Mississippi State, a victory would mean claiming the Starkville Regional title and advancing in the tournament.
ECU needs to win against VCU to keep their championship hopes alive, with the winner facing UNC later the same day.