Opening week brought its share of festivities - Thunder & Lightning statues, Ron Polk Ring of Honor - and it also brought its share of fireworks as State outscored its opponents 39-7 during their 4-0 start. State pitching struck out 43 batters against Youngstown State, while walking just 5 in the three-game series.

A close one with UAB (3-2, win) in the midweek might be what Mississippi State needed with Southern Miss coming to town for a weekend series.