The last time we attempted to play a fellow Magnolia State squad down in Trustmark Park - the crown jewel of Pearl, Mississippi - national-ish headlines were made after enough rainfall led to a cancelled game and some ridiculous rain delay antics. The forecast for tonight doesn't seem to suggest a potential repeat of such unexpected entertainment, so we're assuming that we're playing ball tonight in the annual, neutral field, non-conference-yet-still-conference matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs for the much celebrated Governor's Cup.
Mississippi State, who has been designated as the home team tonight (it is their state, afterall), will send freshman Brandon Woodruff (0-0, 2.70 ERA) to the bump a week removed from his first ever start, a six-inning shutout performance against South Alabama.
Ole Miss is also sending a freshman, Sam Smith (2-2, 3.60), to the mound. Since this game doesn't count towards the SEC standings, it's no surprise that neither team will sway from using typical midweek starters. Speaking of SEC standings, Ole Miss is a game back of second place in the SEC West with a 7-8 record; Mississippi State is 5-10 in conference so far on the season.
If you're in the Jackson area, like baseball, and have the time and fortitude to distract yourself from the offerings of the Bass Pro Shops, then make it down to Trustmark Park. I'm sure that Mississippi State will have plenty of fans in attendance, and hope that a sizable Rebel contingent shows up as well.