STARKVILLE — The days of “Still of the Night” essentially signaling a win for Mississippi State baseball are in the past. For coach Chris Lemonis, closer Landon Sims — who played an integral part in MSU’s 2021 national title run — isn’t strolling from the bullpen to the tune of a walkout song as memorable as any in the storied program’s history.

In the 2024 season, it’s unclear if there will be a surefire, ninth-inning guy, Lemonis told reporters Friday.

“It’s not going to be one guy slamming the door,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of little pieces back there right now.”

Part of finding a closer depends on putting together a starting rotation. Lemonis expects those who don’t earn a weekend starting spot to contend for a prominent bullpen role.

He also spoke highly of junior college signee Cam Schuelke, though he could be a high-leverage arm in the seventh inning when momentum is in the balance.

MSU also might have options in pitchers returning from injury, most notably Stone Simmons and Pico Kohn. Neither pitched in 2023 as they recovered from Tommy John surgery.

“Stone Simmons has done it,” Lemonis said. “He was a closer here. I feel comfortable with him.”

NEW FACE: Inside pitching coach Justin Parker's decision to join Mississippi State baseball, Chris Lemonis

In 2022, Simmons allowed no runs in 4⅓ innings pitched. The year prior, he collected two saves in 19 appearances out of the bullpen.

Kohn made 21 appearances in 2022, including two starts, and recorded a 4.91 ERA.

“Pico is getting real close,” Lemonis said. “I think a guy like Pico, being that he can’t throw 75 pitches as he's coming back . . . can be a real candidate there.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3. 

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What Chris Lemonis said of Mississippi State baseball's closer options