Astros Foundation College Classic: Mississippi State Set to Battle Historic Rivals
Mississippi State baseball aims for redemption as they face off against Rice University, Arizona, and Oklahoma State this weekend during the Astros Foundation College Classic at Daikin Park.
Following two tough losses earlier this week—one to Troy (6-5) and another against Southern Miss—the No. 16 Bulldogs (6-2) are eager to turn things around against Texas competition. They have already swept earlier series against Manhattan and Missouri State, so their performance this weekend will be pivotal.
The Astros Foundation College Classic is well-timed for Mississippi State, who seeks to cement their status early on this season. The games take place at the home of the Houston Astros, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on major league turf.
Today’s schedule kicks off bright and early, as the Bulldogs take the field against Rice at 11:05 am. They will also play Arizona on Saturday at 3:05 pm and conclude the tournament with Oklahoma State on Sunday at 2:05 pm. Each game will stream live on Astros.com and the Astros' X, Facebook, and YouTube pages, ensuring fans can follow along from home.
A notable point of discussion is the Mississippi State lineup as senior first baseman Hunter Hines will not be starting against Rice. Hines, who has started all 179 games during his college career, has faced difficulties lately, hitting .226 with two home runs, letting opportunities slip—like leaving nine runners on base during the recent loss to Troy. Instead, Gehrig Frei, transferred from North Alabama, will take the spot on first base, giving the Bulldogs depth and flexibility.
Mississippi State’s starting pitcher for their first match is left-hander Pico Kohn, who has shown promising stats with a 0.79 ERA, set to go against Rice’s righty Davion Hickson, who has maintained a 1.00 ERA. The pitching matchup will undoubtedly play a significant role as both teams look to gain momentum.
This weekend is not just pivotal for Mississippi State; it also marks important clashes for Tennessee, who will also be competing at the Astros Foundation College Classic. The No. 3 Volunteers will face Oklahoma State—a team plagued by early setbacks—and Rice too.
Fans can expect fireworks as Tennessee enters the tournament, having already demonstrated their prowess with several comfortable victories before facing these heavyweights. Head coach Tony Vitello acknowledges the historical significance of the opposing programs: “You got three very strong tradition-rich programs,” he said. “But the best way to tackle a massive project like this is one inning at a time.”
Tennessee’s pitching rotation will feature their top ace, Liam Doyle, who has already amassed 25 strikeouts this season, showcasing his reliability on the mound. After Doyle’s start on Friday, Marcus Phillips is slated to pitch against Rice on Saturday, reinforcing the Volunteers' potent unit. Sunday’s pitching assignment remains unconfirmed, adding anticipation to the Vols’ final day of play.
For fans of baseball, particularly collegiate action, the Astros Foundation College Classic is shaping up to be both entertaining and competitive. Mississippi State and Tennessee both have strong track records, rich traditions, and aspirations for success, making for compelling viewing.
This showcase of young talent not only highlights the skills of up-and-coming players but also pays tribute to the regional rivalry among the participating teams. The classic is expected to draw considerable attention, with both teams eager to establish their dominance early this season.
With Mississippi State's determination to retaliate after disappointing midweek games and Tennessee's ambition to sustain their high ranking amid intense competition, fans can anticipate gripping matchups throughout the weekend. Mississippi State leads the betting lines against Rice, with Mississippi State favored to win by 3.5 points. The pressure is on!
Stay tuned as the competition continues, and follow the action at Daikin Park. These games serve as not just contests of sports, but as part of the rich tradition of college baseball, celebrated under the bright Houston sun.