Mississippi State baseball's Dakota Jordan earns All-Freshman honors from Perfect Game
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball outfielder Dakota Jordan has been named a freshman All-American second team selection by Perfect Game, the publication announced Thursday. Jordan, who was also named to the SEC's All-Freshman team, hit .307 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs.
The Canton, Mississippi, native was a stalwart in the heart of MSU's lineup. After struggles early in the season saw his batting average dip below .215, Jordan settled in to become a reliable option for coach Chris Lemonis.
The best of the best first-year players in college baseball.
Congratulations to our @RawlingsSports Freshman All-Americans! pic.twitter.com/xKWq9dJTij— Perfect Game USA (@PerfectGameUSA) June 15, 2023
His success was highlighted by a walk-off single in an April win against rival Ole Miss. With MSU losing the opening game against the Rebels, Jordan's hit scored two runs to even the series. The clutch hit came a day after Jordan's strikeout ended a 3-2 loss. Jordan went 5-for-13 in the series with six RBIs and two home runs.
Another memorable moment came a month later when Jordan went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs to help clinch a series victory against then-No. 2 LSU.
Jordan is a key piece as Lemonis looks to return Mississippi State to the championship level it reached in 2021. The Bulldogs went 27-26, including 9-21 in SEC play, this season en route to missing the postseason for the second straight year.
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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: Dakota Jordan named to All-Freshman team