Mississippi State sophomore utility man Rowdey Jordan is seeing clearer.
In a literal sense, Jordan’s sight is improved.
The Alabama native has switched over to a new pair of sports glasses after losing another set and playing the early part of the season with his contacts and sunglasses.
Jordan is also swinging the bat better of late.
Having gone hitless 12 times in the first 22 games of the season, he totaled six hits in 13 at-bats — including three doubles, six RBIs and four runs against Auburn in a March weekend series.
Jordan’s success as the plate has persisted since then.
After a 4-for-5 night against Mississippi Valley State on March 26, he notched his first home run of the season Saturday against No. 16 LSU.
Standing in the batter’s box at Dudy Noble Saturday in the bottom of the ninth, Jordan squared up.
Crack.
Letting fly a left-handed swing, Jordan smoked a two-run shot down the right field line.
“Everyone kept asking me about Rowdey,” head coach Chris Lemonis said. “He’s here working every day and he’s one of the more positive kids on the team so the game usually rewards that.”
A freshman All-American, Lemonis noted Jordan’s pedigree. Just a season ago Jordan totaled 20 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games during his first season in Starkville.
Part of the shift back toward his freshman form has been slight adjustments with his hands.
Lemonis said Jordan was pressing in his motion. But after working with hitting coach Jake Gautreau, he’s regained separation in his swing.
“The biggest thing was he was able to relax,” Lemonis said. “He got off to a slow start, started pressing and then made a couple small changes with his hands and trying to load and then he had some big hits against Auburn. It’s funny how it just starts to roll a bit for you.”
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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