Mississippi State pulled off a wild ninth-inning comeback to stun Auburn in the College World Series opening round. Down two runs entering the final frame, the chaos began with a leadoff double that ignited the dugout. After a strikeout brought Auburn within two outs of victory, a walk and a line drive double down the line scored one and put the tying run in scoring position. A groundout to short tied the game, though it gave Auburn a second out. Then came the meltdown. A routine grounder to third turned dramatic when the fielder airmailed the throw, allowing the tying run to score. A wave of hugs and stunned reactions followed in the Mississippi State dugout.
Auburn’s defense crumbled under pressure. The next batter hit another grounder to third. This time, the fielder hesitated, then bobbled the tough play. Another chance to escape, blown. Mississippi State didn’t need clean contact to win it. A soft chopper bounced off the pitcher’s glove, then deflected off the second baseman’s glove. The winning run crossed the plate, and Mississippi State stormed the field. Jubilation on one side, heartbreak on the other. Family sections erupted in celebration or stared in disbelief. Auburn went from nearly advancing to walking off stunned, all in a few chaotic minutes.