Ivan Melendez puts Texas ahead of MSU 8-5 with a monster HR prior to rain delay
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Mississippi State charged back in the bottom of the eighth in the Bracket 2 final of the 2021 College World Series to tie it at 5-5. Texas put two runners on in the top of the ninth, bringing Ivan Melendez to the plate.
Texas’ leader in home runs worked a 3-2 count against MSU’s Parker Stinnett. With rain falling at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, Stinnett offered Melendez a fastball.
Melendez sent the ball back to its maker.
The blast put Texas ahead 8-5, and Mississippi State made a pitching change before the umpiring crew brought on the tarp as weather moved through the Omaha area.
This all occurred after the Bulldogs made up a three-run difference against freshmen All-Americans Tanner Witt and Aaron Nixon.
Texas scored one run in the first, second, and fifth innings before adding two more in the seventh. The Bulldogs scored two in the bottom of the second before their eighth-inning rally.
With a win, Texas sets up a winner take all game on Saturday with the Bulldogs. With a loss, Mississippi State advances to the championship series.
