STARKVILLE — Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman feels like her pitching staff has enough quality and depth to win a lot of games this season.
So far, the sixth-year head coach has been on target.
Carmen Carter’s RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted MSU past Stephen F. Austin 2-1 Saturday afternoon at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic at Nusz Park. MSU will face Georgia State at 12:30 p.m. today for the tournament title.
The Bulldogs have won three of four games in the three-day tournament by allowing two runs.
“We feel like we have the most depth we have had in the circle since I have been here,” Stuedeman said. “The biggest challenge has been confidence. These pitchers have enough pitches to perform well in the Southeastern Conference. You have to have the mental makeup to know that you can compete.”
On Friday’s opening day, MSU beat Georgia State 4-0 and Stephen F. Austin 2-0. MSU joined UCLA as the only teams from Power Five conferences to pitch a pair of shutouts on the unofficial opening day of the season.
The Bulldogs have allowed 19 hits and two earned runs in 28 innings. Western Kentucky managed only one hit in its 1-0 win against MSU in the Bulldogs’ first game Saturday.
“It is our job to set the tone for this team,” MSU senior pitcher Alexis Silkwood said. “Championship teams have success in the circle. If the other team doesn’t score, you are going to win. We have really grown together as a pitching staff. As a senior, it is important for me to lead.”
After only winning four games during an injury-plagued junior campaign, Silkwood already has two wins and a save. After throwing a complete-game shutout against Georgia State, Silkwood entered in the seventh with two runners in scoring position to nail down Friday’s second win.
“She is a veteran,” Stuedeman said. “She is a Bulldog on the mound. The other girls look to her because she is such an intense competitor. Alexis has done a great job of really helping some of the younger girls. When you pitch in the Southeastern Conference for three seasons, you become battle-tested.”
Regan Green threw six innings in Friday’s second game. A sophomore, Green scattered nine hits and struck out nine. Stuedeman said her strides during the offseason were as good as any pitcher she has worked with.
Junior Cassady Knudsen started against Western Kentucky. She allowed one hit, but WKU scored on a single, a bunt, a stolen base, and a sacrifice fly.
“I think this team has a lot of potential,” Knudsen said. “The thing about the pitching staff is everybody can contribute. You may be asked to get one batter or to work one inning or you may draw a start. The thing is to focus on the process and do the very best you can while you are out there.”
Stuedeman hopes the early struggles of the offense will be short-lived. The Bulldogs have 25 hits in four games, but they have struggled to score. Silkwood has four hits and three doubles to lead the Bulldogs.
A year ago, the Bulldogs were last in the league in the SEC with an average of 3.6 runs per game. To make the most of the pitching depth, offensive improvement will be a necessity.
“The outlook of this team is very bright,” Stuedeman said. “We have had several faces getting their first taste of senior college softball. The biggest thing we need to do is take advantage of opportunities. Even though we have won three games, we have not taken advantage of our opportunities. That will be our focus.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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