STARKVILLE — With Kellum Clark and Colton Ledbetter departing for pro careers, the transfer portal has become a focus for Mississippi State baseball to revamp its outfield. However a potential replacement already on MSU’s roster has emerged from summer ball.

Connor Hujsak, who transferred from VCU to Mississippi State last offseason, leads the Florida Collegiate Summer League with five home runs, tied for ninth in batting average (.319) and tied for 11th in RBIs (16) – eye-popping numbers for someone who started just six games for the Bulldogs as a senior.

The key to Hujsak’s success with the Sanford River Rats has been his approach at the plate. With each pitcher he faces, he’s looking for a specific pitch to drive.

“This summer has been really big for me,” Hujsak told the Clarion Ledger on Tuesday. “I’m excited to go back and use it at school.”

Despite starting 109 games in two seasons at VCU, Hujsak’s arrival in Starkville was not met with a spot awaiting him. Clark entered 2023 as a two-year starter and a championship to his name. Ledbetter was the big-name portal addition out of Samford on his way toward a second round MLB selection. Dakota Jordan was the freshman on his way toward becoming an All-America selection by Perfect Game.

With a loaded outfield, Hujsak knew he’d have to battle behind the scenes for playing time.

“I pride myself on my work,” Hujsak said. “What people don’t see is our practices, the everyday grind that we’ve been through and how much better you’re able to get with the coaching staff that we have (at MSU). I took full advantage of it last year. I pretty much worked myself to death, and I’m seeing good production from it now. It was definitely worth it.”

Hujsak recorded 10 hits in 42 at-bats (.238) – including a pair of home runs. His first homer came against Lipscomb with a solo shot to left-center to put MSU ahead 3-2 en route to a 4-3 win. His other one came in the sixth inning of a loss against Vanderbilt. Hujsak sent a three-run shot to left in an 11-7 loss.

If Mississippi State fans remember the Starkville Regional in 2021, his clutch hits shouldn’t come as a surprise. Hujsak was 4-for-14 in three games as a freshman. He notched three extra-base hits – including a three-run shot in an elimination game against Campbell.

VCU dropped its lone game against Mississippi State, losing 16-4, but Hujsak brought the tying run to the plate in the sixth with a double before the Bulldogs blew the game open.

“You ask any of my teammates at VCU and I bet you it’s probably their best baseball experience still to this day,” Hujsak said of playing at Dudy Noble Field.

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Depending on Mississippi State’s portal success in the coming weeks, Hujsak may have to battle for a starting spot again in 2024. But as a returning piece on a team looking to recover from back-to-back years with no postseason appearances, there’s motivation for Hujsak to play a part in the turnaround.

“Let’s work. Let’s show everyone what we’re worth,” Hujsak said about MSU's mindset. “Let’s prove to everyone what we’re capable of because these last two years just weren’t the Mississippi State brand of baseball.”

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

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State baseball: Connor Hujsak could solve hole in outfield