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sports13h ago
Why Mississippi State Starting Its Ace Sends a Message in Hoover
- Mississippi State starts Tomas Valincius, a 9-2 lefty with a 3.04 ERA, in the Hoover opener against Missouri to chase a win-now result.
- State views the matchup as a chance to prove themselves and not simply waste a tournament appearance.
- Valincius’ workload concerns are balanced against the value of high-leverage experience in Hoover.
- Missouri used a different approach by burning their regular-season ace after upsetting Ole Miss as a 16-seed.
- A win would keep Mississippi State on track for a likely home regional in Starkville.
- Weather could impact pitching plans as rain was forecast to arrive and linger into the weekend.
- Mississippi State faces Missouri again with an eye toward the Thursday matchup against Georgia.
- Coach Brian O’Connor emphasizes using the best arm to send a message about competitiveness.
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