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How does Chris Lemonis turn this Mississippi State baseball ship around? Start with freshmen

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball was in the eighth inning of a must-win game against Texas A&M when shortstop David Mershon walked to the mound. With the second game of the final regular season series tied 3-3, MSU closer Aaron Nixon was on the mound in hopes of recording the final six outs.

However, there was a runner on first, one out and a 3-0 count on the hitter at the plate. Coach Chris Lemonis wasn’t using a mound visit nor was catcher Ross Highfill, so Mershon made the walk.

Mershon, a freshman, took a moment to help calm Nixon’s nerves. He gave the junior pitcher a pat on the back and returned to his position. In a poor season boiling with pressure, Mershon showed why he – along with fellow impressive freshmen – will play a big role in Lemonis’ rebuilding of the program.

“He has a lot of ballplayer in him,” Lemonis said postgame. “He’s had that since the day he walked on campus. He comes from a big baseball family and just understands the game really well.”

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The 2022 recruiting class gained plenty of experience this year. Mershon forced his way into becoming the starting shortstop, recording a .427 on-base percentage in 30 games. Outfielder Dakota Jordan hit 10 home runs and was tied for the team lead with a .333 batting average in conference games. Ross Highfill hit .231 with nine home runs, and he made 36 starts at catcher.

The freshmen promise extended to the mound, highlighted by switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje. Although he was inconsistent en route to an 8.10 ERA and needs development from the left side, the experience gained in 13 starts should help. Left-handed pitcher Bradley Loftin didn’t pitch after April 7 due to injury, but he recorded 43 strikeouts in 26⅓ innings.

“They’re playing like upperclassmen,” Lemonis said. “Our future is bright with a lot of those.”

As pressure continues to build after failing to qualify for the SEC tournament in back-to-back seasons, Lemonis’ best chance at returning to the glory of 2021 involves the development of those freshmen. Many of them will start their improvement by playing in summer leagues.

Highfill is already among those listed on a Cape Cod Baseball League roster.

“I know they’re tired and everything else, but they’ve got to get better and play the game,” Lemonis said.

Mississippi State's Dakota Jordan (42) celebrates after hitting a double during the NCAA baseball game against Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.  on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Mississippi State’s Dakota Jordan (42) celebrates after hitting a double during the NCAA baseball game against Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Mississippi State was often beaten by teams with greater experience, which Lemonis feels gives his group confidence going into next season.

The Bulldogs closed 2022 with a series loss against the Aggies. In A&M’s final starting lineup, there were seven upperclassmen. Pitcher Will Johnston was a junior going up against Cijntje.

Eventually, older players across the SEC will move on and youth development will be crucial. If MSU is ahead of the pack, that could bode well for Lemonis’ staff.

“Our kids see that,” Lemonis said. “They understand that. I think they know we’ve got a chance to be really good here in the future.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State baseball’s freshman class crucial for Chris Lemonis