Feb. 24, 2006
Final Stats
STARKVILLE, Ms.-Shortstop Thomas Berkery went 4-for-5 with a homer and three runs scored to lead the 11th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs to a 9-3 victory over the visiting Marist Red Foxes Friday evening. The game was the season opener for both squads.
Brooks Dunn (1-0) took the win for the Bulldogs, allowing five hits and three runs with five strikeouts in six innings. Marist's Jonathan Smith (0-1) suffered the loss for the Red Foxes, yielding seven runs (all earned) in just two innings. He allowed seven hits and two walks, while striking out a pair.
Redshirt junior left fielder Adam Pernasilici (Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada) had a homer in the fourth inning, while junior center fielder Travis Musolf had a two-run double in the fifth.
First baseman Brad Jones also had a homer for Mississippi State, while designated hitter Joseph McCaskill (2), third baseman Michael Rutledge (1) and left fielder Jeff Butts (1) all plated runs for the Bulldogs.
Sophomore Tom Close (Devon, Pa.) came on in relief for Marist and pitched three scoreless innings, yielding four hits but striking out four as well.
The series will continue Saturday at 12 p.m. Central.
