SportsPreview
The biggest question facing every WNBA team in training camp
WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Why 2B Drew Wyers was benched after 1st inning of Mississippi State vs Tennessee
TL;DR
Drew Wyers was benched after the first inning of the Mississippi State vs Tennessee game for not running out a pop-out. Coach Brian O'Connor emphasized the importance of playing hard at all times and stated that such behavior is unacceptable.
Why 2B Drew Wyers was benched after 1st inning of Mississippi State vs Tennessee
STARKVILLE — Drew Wyers was inserted into Mississippi State baseball's starting lineup on April 12 against Tennessee but was pulled out after just one inning.
Coach Brian O'Connor said it was because the second baseman didn't run out of the box after hitting a shallow pop-out down the right field line that would've landed in fair territory.
"He understands that," O'Connor said. "I don't believe Wyers is wired that way, but that cannot happen. You play the game one way, full tilt, all the time. He understands it. I talked to him about it and I just can't tolerate it."
The No. 8 Bulldogs (26-10, 7-8 SEC) wound up losing 7-2 to the Volunteers (24-12, 7-8) at Dudy Noble Field to get swept in the series. It marked their sixth straight SEC loss and the first time in program history that they have been swept in back-to-back three-game home series.
MSU Bulldog second baseman Gehrig Frei (34) throws out a runner at first at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
MSU Bulldogs third baseman Ace Reese (3) looks to throw down a baserunner at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
USM Golden Eagles JW Armistead (39) subbed in to finish up the first inning at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
1 / 3
Mississippi State baseball vs Southern Miss, Ace Reese, Brian O'Connor see top photos
MSU Bulldog second baseman Gehrig Frei (34) throws out a runner at first at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
1 / 3
Mississippi State baseball vs Southern Miss, Ace Reese, Brian O'Connor see top photos
MSU Bulldog second baseman Gehrig Frei (34) throws out a runner at first at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
2 / 3
Mississippi State baseball vs Southern Miss, Ace Reese, Brian O'Connor see top photos
MSU Bulldogs third baseman Ace Reese (3) looks to throw down a baserunner at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
3 / 3
Mississippi State baseball vs Southern Miss, Ace Reese, Brian O'Connor see top photos
USM Golden Eagles JW Armistead (39) subbed in to finish up the first inning at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, MS on Tuesday March 24th, 2026.
"We don't have any issues with guys showing up late," O'Connor said. "The Wyers thing is an aberration."
Wyers, a senior transfer from Bryant, was making his first SEC start since March 27. He is batting .348 with two home runs, 11 RBIs and 15 runs in 24 games (13 starts).
Gehrig Frei was inserted for Wyers in the top of the second inning and batted 2-for-3 with a double.
MORE: Why QB Kamario Taylor was unhappy with his Mississippi State football spring game
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why Mississippi State baseball benched Drew Wyers vs Tennessee
Q&A
Why was Drew Wyers benched during the Mississippi State vs Tennessee game?
Drew Wyers was benched for not running out of the box after hitting a shallow pop-out that could have landed in fair territory.
What did Coach Brian O'Connor say about Drew Wyers' performance?
Coach Brian O'Connor stated that Wyers understands the mistake and emphasized that players must always play hard and full tilt.
What was the reaction of the Mississippi State coach to Wyers' actions?
Coach O'Connor expressed that he cannot tolerate such behavior and discussed the issue directly with Wyers.
When did the incident with Drew Wyers occur during the baseball season?
The incident occurred on April 12 during a game against Tennessee.
