Bulldogs looking to even score with UNC

By By Marty Stamper/EMG sports assistant
May 31, 2003
STARKVILLE There's no doubt that Mississippi State's 1989 baseball team was one of the school's best.
However, its 54-14 season ended prematurely with a 7-1 loss to North Carolina in the finals of the NCAA South Regional at Dudy Noble Field. State had dropped a 2-1 decision earlier in the tournament to the Tar Heels.
Today, the Bulldogs can gain some redemption as they take on North Carolina at 3 p.m. in the winner's bracket of the 2003 NCAA Regional at Starkville.
State head coach Ron Polk will go with Alan Johnson (5-4, 4.02 ERA) on the mound.
The Tar Heels hold a pair of wins over Florida State, the top seed in the 64-team field.
State and UNC haven't met since 1989.
Polk recalled the 2-1 loss to North Carolina.
Polk watched the Tar Heels edge Missouri 4-3 Friday afternoon to advance to today's winners' bracket.
One of the MSU players watching the Tar Heels in their 11-inning win Friday afternoon was pitcher Paul Maholm.