Mississippi State baseball does not play boring games. The Bulldogs had another flair for the dramatics as Luke Alexander's base hit in the bottom of the ninth inning led the Magnolia State nine to a 1-0 win over Washington in its opening game of the College World Series on Saturday.
It was the Bulldogs' seventh win in the NCAA Tournament; three have come by the walk-off fashion and a fourth on their final at bat. Alexander had two other walk-off hits this year against Ole Miss.
MAKING HEADLINES
Meridian native and former USM football player and coach Deke Adams made the headlines recently in North Carolina. Deke was a member of the famous “Nasty Bunch” USM football between 1991-1994.
His son Jordyn was the 17th overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft. Jordyn, who was an All-American in both high school football (wide receiver) and baseball (outfield) this past year, was taken by the Los Angeles Angels. He signed this past week for about $3.5 million. His mother was the former Alexis Hall, a member of the 1,000 point club at USM and a four-year letter winner for the USM women’s basketball team from 1988-1991. Deke is presently coaching the defensive line at North Carolina.
WATCHING THE PROS
Richton’s JaCoby Jones hit his fifth home run of the year against former Ole Miss pitcher Lance Lynn this past week. Playing for Detroit, Jones led his team over Lynn and the Twins, 3-1. Former USM baseball star Brian Dozier ripped his 10th homer of the year for the Twins also this past week.
Trade rumors are heating up, and Lynn (4-5) could be moved by the Twins to a contending team by the July 31 major league trading deadline. Lynn had won his last three starts. The Cincinnati Reds could also move former Taylorsville native Billy Hamilton before the deadline.
USM FOOTBALL LOOKING TO COMPETE
Southern Mississippi football is considered to be in a rebuilding year by most of the national college football media. USM is picked as a wild card team in this year’s Conference USA football race. The Golden Eagles are 15-11 in two seasons under Jay Hopson and should be able to land another bowl berth this fall.
USM returns only eight starters, and uncertainty at quarterback could stall the Golden Eagles' chances for a championship. Kwadra Griggs missed spring practice due to an injury, but Keon Howard and Jack Abraham will push Griggs for playing time. Replacing Ito Smith, who has gone to the NFL, in the backfield will be another major project.
The schedule is favorable for USM to compete for the title, as the Golden Eagles will host Marshall and Louisiana Tech in M.M. Roberts Stadium. The Eagles are not hurting for talent or athletes but will need to replace some key stars from the 2017 team. USM opens its season at home against Jackson State.
MORE OF THE SAME
Florida Atlantic (FAU) and North Texas State, who won the C-USA division titles last year, are expected to compete again in the conference championship game. Middle Tennessee will also be in the hunt for a title spot. Old Dominion, Florida International and Western Kentucky will be vastly improved in 2018.
BACK-TO-BAK
Bruce Koepka won his second straight U.S. Open with a masterful 68 on the final day. He is the first repeat champion since Curtis Strange in 1988-89. None of the golfers finishes the four-day event under par as Koepka won with a one-over.
Dale McKee is a longtime sports columnist in the state of Mississippi who resides in Waynesboro. You may contact Dale at ddmckee18@yahoo.com .
