By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Mississippi State beats Oregon State
College World Series
Placeholder Image
OMAHA, Neb. — A Southeastern Conference team is heading to the College World Series finals for the sixth straight year.For the first time, it’s Mississippi State.Hunter Renfroe hit a three-run homer off the back wall of the left-field bullpen, and Kendall Graveman and two relievers held the Beavers in check in a 4-1 victory on Friday.The Bulldogs (51-18) beat the Beavers (52-13) for the second time in the CWS and get two days off before the best-of-three championship round against UCLA.Renfroe’s homer came on an afternoon the wind was blowing in at a ballpark that surrenders few home runs. He had already seen teammate Wes Rea come up short with a fly to the left-center power alley that Michael Conforto caught against the wall on perhaps the best defensive play of the CWS.Renfroe’s 16th homer of the season, and first since May 4, came on a 3-1 pitch from Andrew Moore (14-2) and put the Bulldogs up 4-0 in the fifth. It was only the third homer in 11 CWS games, and there was no doubt it was out, even though Renfroe didn’t initially see it that way.Oregon State (52-13) went 2-2 in its first CWS appearance since winning back-to-back national titles in 2006-07.Graveman (7-5) worked the first 5 2-3 innings, allowing one run and four hits.