STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State unloaded for five runs in the fourth inning and exploded for six more in the seventh inning to cruise past ULM, 14-3, Wednesday afternoon at Dudy Noble Field as the two teams split the midweek set.
 
Ross Highfill had three hits, including a two-RBI double to start the scoring in the five-run fourth, to lead the way for MSU. Colton Ledbetter had two hits and four RBIs, belting a 2-run home run in the fourth. Slate Alford hit a 2-run homer in the sixth and Dakota Jordan added a 3-run blast in the seventh.
 
ULM put together a three-run eighth inning, as Davis Meche scored on a passed ball, Travis Washburn hit an RBI single to score Michelle Artzberger and Cardell Thibodeaux added a sacrifice fly to plate Jarrett McDonald. Six different Warhawks accounted for ULM's hits in the game.
 
Right-handed starting pitcher Brandt Corley took the loss in his collegiate debut. The freshman allowed one run on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Six Warhawk pitchers took the mound in the game, with left-hander Adam Tubbs throwing a clean bottom of the eighth inning with a strikeout.
 
Mississippi State starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, who pitched with both his right and left hands, threw four innings, allowing one hit with one walk and seven strikeouts.
 
ULM entertains SIUE for a three-game weekend series beginning at 2 p.m. Friday at Lou St. Amant Field.