MSU will return to Omaha, Nebraska, and the College World Series for the 10th time in program history and first time since 2013. The Bulldogs won a super regional for third time in program history and won both a regional and super regional on the road for a first time.
To achieve Omaha, the Bulldogs won five straight elimination games in the regional and super regional combined.
"It just is an incredible group of kids. It is the most resilient group I have been around as a coach. This is special. We have the best fans in the nation. They traveled and made this feel like a home game. Can't say enough about how proud I am of this team and how proud I am to be their coach." - MSU Head Coach Gary Henderson
MSU seemed to be in control after scoring three times in the top of the ninth inning for a 6-3 lead. Vanderbilt made sure the home team had a big ninth inning for a third straight game. A solo home run and two-run home run tied the game and things kept going.
In the MSU 11th inning, pinch-hitter Josh Hatcher drew a leadoff walk. After a strikeout, Rowdey Jordan singled. Tanner Allen then drove in the go-ahead run with a double down the right field line.
After an intentional walk, Justin Foscue drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run. Luke Alexander followed with a two-run single.
Denver McQuary entered in the 10th inning and got a critical strikeout with two runners on base. In the 11th, McQuary walked the leadoff man and gave way to Keegan James. James got three straight ground ball outs, with the final one leading to a dog pile right next to the first base bag.
Photos by Kelly Donoho. Story by Mississippi State Athletics.
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