Skip to main content

No. 9 Tennessee bounces back to take series win over No. 17 Mississippi State

by:Tara Henry•04/05/25
resize-11
Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee won the rubber match on Saturday evening, securing its third SEC series victory with a run-rule win over Mississippi State. The series featured three consecutive run-rule games: Tennessee took game one 8-0 in five innings, dropped game two 12-4 in six, and closed it out with another 8-0 win in game three.

Both teams now sit at 7-5 in SEC play, 2.0 games behind the league leader.

What was expected to be a pitcher’s duel turned into a series of lopsided outcomes. Tennessee launched six home runs across the three games—a key factor highlighted in the series preview. McKenna Gibson continued her hot streak, homering in each contest.

Mississippi State’s offense came alive in game two after being shut out in the opener, thanks to heavy production from the top of its lineup.

Game 1 Recap – Lady Vols Strike First

Karlyn Pickens threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out six. The sophomore ace continued to set the tone in series openers with an efficient outing. Kinsey Fiedler provided the spark on offense, hitting a two-run homer in the first and sealing the run-rule win with a walk-off single in the fifth. She finished the day 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs.

Raelin Chaffin struggled early for Mississippi State, surrendering seven runs on eight hits with three walks.

Game 2 Recap – Bulldogs Even the Series

Mississippi State flipped the script in game two, erupting for an 8-run first inning and sending 13 batters to the plate. The Bulldogs faced three Tennessee pitchers in the opening frame: Erin Nuwer, Sage Mardjetko, and Peyton Tanner.

Sierra Sacco started it off with a leadoff home run, and Nadia Barbary followed with a solo shot. Kylee Edwards singled, and after a walk and hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Morgan Stiles delivered an RBI single. The Bulldogs tallied five hits, two homers, three walks, and two HBPs in the inning.

Delainey Everett (9-0) earned the win, allowing four runs on three hits and striking out seven across four innings. Lexi Sosa pitched two scoreless innings in relief. Edwards went 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, while Stiles and Sosa each added a home run in the run-rule win.

Game 3 Recap – Pickens Shuts the Door

Saturday night’s finale was a rematch of game one starters, with Pickens again outdueling Chaffin. Pickens dominated, allowing just two baserunners across five innings and throwing 65% of her pitches for strikes.

Chaffin lasted only 1.2 innings, giving up five runs on six hits as Tennessee jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead.

The Lady Vols were dominant in all phases—offense, pitching, and defense. They plated five runs in the second inning, highlighted by a Taylor Pannell three-run homer. Gibson and Leach also went deep.

Gibson’s home run in game three marked her third of the series, pushing her to fifth all-time on Tennessee’s career home run list with 42.

Final Takeaways

Pickens’ dominance over the last two series has been pivotal for the Lady Vols. The flame-throwing right-hander continues to attack the zone and energize the squad every time she steps into the circle.

Offensively, Tennessee is trending upward with a mix of timely hitting and power. The Lady Vols are currently tied for fourth in the SEC with 14 home runs in conference play.

As for Mississippi State, their competitiveness continues to make them a tough matchup day in and day out. While Chaffin didn’t have her best stuff in Knoxville, the Bulldogs’ ability to produce big offensive innings and battle through adversity sets them up well heading into next weekend’s series against Missouri.

Softball America April Position Power Rankings
P | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | UTL

You may also like