HOOVER, Ala. — Brent Rooker had his wish granted Friday night.
In the final game of what likely will be a Southeastern Conference triple crown season, Rooker finally received a chance to pitch.
Mississippi State’s right fielder turned designated hitter turned first baseman faced three batters in a 9-2 loss to fourth-seeded Arkansas that ended MSU’s run at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
Rooker walked his first batter and allowed a two-run double on a soft groundball before forcing an inning-ending flyout.
“He’s been begging for the ball all season, and I think everybody here would agree he’s earned that opportunity to go to the mound,” MSU coach Andy Cannizaro said.
Cannizaro joked he just wanted to help Rooker’s Golden Spikes candidacy by giving him an opportunity to pitch.
“Now everybody can talk about him being a two-way player,” Cannizaro said.
Rooker, a redshirt junior, said he hasn’t pitched with any consistency since his junior year of high school. He pitched sparingly as a senior.
“I was just throwing it, trying to get it close to the plate and get some swings,” Rooker said. “(Arkansas catcher Grant Koch) absolutely crushed that last ball. He just happened to hit it right at the right fielder.”
Rooker likely will be one of the top candidates for the Golden Spikes award, which goes to the nation’s top player, with Louisville’s Brendan McKay, who is a hitter and a pitcher for the Cardinals. McKay is hitting .360 with 16 home runs and 12 doubles. He also has a 9-3 record and a 2.37 earned run average (ERA) in 14 starts.
“That was the goal, to get me on the same level as that guy,” Rooker joked. “From what I’ve heard, I have to work on my curveball to throw them like he does.”
Bragg’s return
MSU third baseman Harrison Bragg returned to the starting lineup against Arkansas after missing two weeks with a stomach illness. He served as designated hitter and struck out twice before Cole Gordon pinch hit for him.
Bragg also played an inning at third as a defensive replacement against Florida earlier in the day.
Vansau improving
Serving as MSU’s every-day designated hitter has fit Hunter Vansau nicely. Vansau stayed hot in Hoover by getting three hits and driving in three runs.
Since May 4, Vansau’s batting average climbed from .269 to .326 after the game against Florida.
“I think the game is starting to slow down for him in the batter’s box,” Cannizaro said. “I think Hunter is going to be a really good player, and I think the strides he’s made in the last few weeks will benefit us next weekend and as long as we get to play the rest of the season.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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