STARKVILLE - After a strong outing by freshman Bradley Loftin, the Mississippi State baseball team (8-5) earned an 12-2 victory over visiting Valparaiso (6-4) on Tuesday night at Dudy Noble Field. Loftin shined as he struck out a career-high 11 in the contest.

With the win, Loftin earned his first career collegiate victory as he went a career-high six innings and struck out the side twice. Loftin allowed only two hits in the game, along with two earned runs. Colby Holcombe finished out the contest, striking out two batters in the seventh.

Five Bulldogs collected multiple hits in the contest. Bryce Chance led the way for State's bats, going 2-for-4, with two RBIs. Luke Hancock picked up two doubles in the game, while also reaching twice on walks. In his first collegiate appearance, David Mershon went 2-for-3 with a walk. Kellum Clark and Hunter Hines capped their two hit days with back-to-back home runs in the sixth.

The Diamond Dawgs are back in action this weekend when they matchup against the Lipscomb Bisons in a three game set. Game one is set for a 6 p.m. start, with the game being broadcast on SECN+.

SCORING SUMMARY

Top Second

Kaleb Hannahs hit a sac fly to right field scoring Thurston. Kade Reinertson scored on from third on a wild pitch.
Mississippi State 0, Valparaiso 2

Bottom Fourth

Amani Larry hit a sac fly to deep center, scoring Kellum Clark from third. Colton Ledbetter singled through the left side, pushing Forsythe across. Bryce Chance lined a ball into center, scoring Mershon and Ledbetter. Luke Hancock doubled to right center to add another. Hancock scored on a wild pitch to score the Bulldogs' sixth run of the inning.
Mississippi State 6, Valparaiso 2

Bottom Seventh

Clark scored on a sac fly from Ledbetter.
Mississippi State 7, Valparaiso 2

Bottom Sixth

Hunter Hines blasted a two-run home run to right, extending the Bulldog lead to seven. Kellum Clark followed him up with a solo shot of his own.
Mississippi State 10, Valparaiso 2

Bottom Seventh

Connor Hujsak drew a walk with the bases loaded, scoring Chance. Nate Chester followed him with a single to left, enforcing the run rule.
Mississippi State 12, Valparaiso 2