EUGENE, Ore. (05/14/2026) — In a tightly contested, extra-inning matchup at Jane Sanders Stadium, the Saint Mary's Gaels secured a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Thursday. The game required an eighth inning to find a resolution, with the Gaels ultimately prevailing despite a late-game surge from the Bulldogs.
First baseman Sam Buckley provided the entirety of the Saint Mary's offense with one swing, while pitcher Odhi Vasquez battled through 7.2 innings in a hard-fought performance from the circle. For Mississippi State, a determined comeback effort fell just short in a game where the margin for error was razor-thin from the first pitch to the last.
How It Happened
The Gaels wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, Sam Buckley launched a two-run home run to center field, also scoring Camille Lara, who had drawn a walk. The early 2-0 advantage gave Saint Mary's immediate momentum and put the pressure on the Bulldogs to respond.
Mississippi State's offense was held in check for the first three frames by Gaels pitcher Odhi Vasquez. The Bulldogs finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth when infielder Nadia Barbary connected on a solo home run to left field, cutting the Saint Mary's lead to 2-1.
The Bulldogs manufactured the tying run in the fifth. After Kinley Keller worked a walk, she advanced and ultimately scored on a critical shortstop error, knotting the game at 2-2.
Both starting pitchers were formidable. For Mississippi State, Peja Goold was impressive, striking out nine batters over 6.1 innings while allowing just four hits and two runs. The combination of Goold and reliever Alyssa Faircloth, who threw 1.2 perfect innings with two strikeouts, kept the Gaels' offense scoreless after the first inning. Vasquez was equally resilient for Saint Mary's, scattering four hits and recording six strikeouts over her 7.2 innings of work.
The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth. Gabby Schaeffer, who entered to run, scored on a single to right field by Nadia Barbary. A subsequent error on the play allowed Barbary to advance to second, giving Mississippi State a 3-2 lead on the scoreboard.
Turning Point
The decisive sequence occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the game tied 2-2 and the intensity mounting, Mississippi State's Nadia Barbary stepped to the plate with a runner in scoring position. She delivered a sharp single into right field, which was enough to score Gabby Schaeffer from second. The hit, compounded by an error by the right fielder, broke the tie and put the Bulldogs ahead on the scoreboard in what proved to be the game's final scoring play.
Star of the Game
Sam Buckley delivered the crucial offensive blow for the victorious Saint Mary's Gaels. His first-inning, two-run home run stood as the only scoring for his team. Buckley finished the day 1-for-3 with a run scored, two RBI, a home run, and a walk. In a contest where runs were at a premium, his immediate impact provided the foundation for the Gaels' win.
What It Means
For Saint Mary's, the victory is a significant one, earned through resilience in a tense, back-and-forth affair. The Gaels demonstrated the ability to win a close game against a quality SEC opponent, relying on a standout pitching performance from Odhi Vasquez and timely power from Sam Buckley.
For Mississippi State, the result is a tough one to absorb after a spirited comeback. The Bulldogs erased an early 2-0 deficit and took a late lead in extra innings, showcasing their fight. The pitching duo of Peja Goold and Alyssa Faircloth was exceptional, combining for 11 strikeouts and allowing just four hits. Despite the outcome, the Bulldogs' performance highlighted their ability to compete and battle back when facing an early deficit.
