STARKVILLE, Miss. – Paige Ernstes’ added another chapter to her book of memorable moments in Mississippi State’s 4-3 victory over No. 1 Texas on Friday evening.
With two outs and Abby Grace Richardson pinch running at first base, the freshman hit a walk-off double into the left field corner to secure a victory over the nation’s top-ranked team for the first time since State defeated LSU, 9-4, in Starkville in 2015.
The stands filled with the Maroon and White faithful erupted as her teammates dashed to second base to celebrate Ernstes’ heroic game-winner against the Longhorns.
“I just love this whole team, and they just made it feel so special,” Ernstes said. “I am just so grateful for everyone here. It was amazing.”
Coming up clutch as a pinch hitter is nothing new for the New Palestine, Indiana, native. After an incredible high school campaign, Ernstes was ranked as the No. 41 prospect in the country by Extra Innings Softball and the No. 21 catcher. As a senior at New Palestine High School, she posted a career-high 51 RBIs with 11 home runs.
Now, she is swinging with a confidence that very few freshmen in the country possess in their first year playing against top-tier collegiate softball competition. No moment has been too big for the freshman. Her six RBIs this season have all been recorded when entering the game off the bench, and she has also notched two homers as a pinch hitter.
Ernstes has continuously embraced the challenge of being placed in crucial moments against the best pitchers in the country.
Make no mistake about it, her opportunities to change the game for the Bulldogs at the plate have been earned through her dedication and hard work in preparation for moments like Friday’s conference contest against the Longhorns.
“She is one of the best pinch hitters I’ve ever seen, that I’ve ever had on the team,” head coach Samantha Ricketts said. “She loves the moment. She thrives in it. She’s really ready all game, but as soon as I tell her to get ready for the next coming inning, she’s in the dugout. She’s got a whole routine to be ready for her one at-bat. It’s just awesome to see her embrace it and just to have really veteran at-bats as a freshman.”
Ernstes is always ready when her name is called. She prepares herself for each at-bat by analyzing what the opposing pitcher has shown, while also relying on her experienced teammates and MSU’s coaching staff for advice on how she should handle her approach at the plate.
“Coach Ricketts and I talked about taking at-bats with people while they’re hitting,” Ernstes said. “Even though I’m still in the dugout, I’m mentally taking that at-bat with them and seeing what pitching they’re getting and trying to think, ‘Okay, where are they going to throw her next? What do I think I would do in this situation?'”
That is what makes her a student of the game. In just a short time, Ernstes has proven that she has what it takes to be a key player for the Bulldogs.
“I appreciate the moment that I’m in,” Ernstes said. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities I get. A lot of times you can get caught up in the moment and make yourself rush. I like to look around and take in the moment and be grateful.”
With two outs and Abby Grace Richardson pinch running at first base, the freshman hit a walk-off double into the left field corner to secure a victory over the nation’s top-ranked team for the first time since State defeated LSU, 9-4, in Starkville in 2015.
The stands filled with the Maroon and White faithful erupted as her teammates dashed to second base to celebrate Ernstes’ heroic game-winner against the Longhorns.
“I just love this whole team, and they just made it feel so special,” Ernstes said. “I am just so grateful for everyone here. It was amazing.”
Coming up clutch as a pinch hitter is nothing new for the New Palestine, Indiana, native. After an incredible high school campaign, Ernstes was ranked as the No. 41 prospect in the country by Extra Innings Softball and the No. 21 catcher. As a senior at New Palestine High School, she posted a career-high 51 RBIs with 11 home runs.
Now, she is swinging with a confidence that very few freshmen in the country possess in their first year playing against top-tier collegiate softball competition. No moment has been too big for the freshman. Her six RBIs this season have all been recorded when entering the game off the bench, and she has also notched two homers as a pinch hitter.
Ernstes has continuously embraced the challenge of being placed in crucial moments against the best pitchers in the country.
Make no mistake about it, her opportunities to change the game for the Bulldogs at the plate have been earned through her dedication and hard work in preparation for moments like Friday’s conference contest against the Longhorns.
“She is one of the best pinch hitters I’ve ever seen, that I’ve ever had on the team,” head coach Samantha Ricketts said. “She loves the moment. She thrives in it. She’s really ready all game, but as soon as I tell her to get ready for the next coming inning, she’s in the dugout. She’s got a whole routine to be ready for her one at-bat. It’s just awesome to see her embrace it and just to have really veteran at-bats as a freshman.”
Ernstes is always ready when her name is called. She prepares herself for each at-bat by analyzing what the opposing pitcher has shown, while also relying on her experienced teammates and MSU’s coaching staff for advice on how she should handle her approach at the plate.
“Coach Ricketts and I talked about taking at-bats with people while they’re hitting,” Ernstes said. “Even though I’m still in the dugout, I’m mentally taking that at-bat with them and seeing what pitching they’re getting and trying to think, ‘Okay, where are they going to throw her next? What do I think I would do in this situation?'”
That is what makes her a student of the game. In just a short time, Ernstes has proven that she has what it takes to be a key player for the Bulldogs.
“I appreciate the moment that I’m in,” Ernstes said. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities I get. A lot of times you can get caught up in the moment and make yourself rush. I like to look around and take in the moment and be grateful.”