MSU’s Mangum, Pilkington Named Perfect Game Preseason All-Americans

(Photo Courtesy: HailState.com)

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – As the 2018 baseball season swiftly approaches, Mississippi State juniors Jake Mangum and Konnor Pilkington were named Preseason All-Americans by Perfect Game.

State’s Friday-night starting pitcher, Pilkington was named to the second team, while outfielder Jake Mangum was named to the third team.

During his sophomore season in 2017, Pilkington posted a 3.08 ERA and an 8-5 record in a team-high 17 starts and 108.0 innings pitched. This summer, the Hurley, Miss. native pitched for the USA Collegiate National Team, where he collected a 2.65 ERA and held opponents to a .183 batting average in five appearances.

A 2017 MLB Draft pick this past June, Mangum elected to return to Starkville for another season as a Diamond Dawg. The 2016 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the year, Mangum received SEC All-Defensive Team and All-SEC Second Team honors following his junior season. Having notched 174 hits through his first two seasons, Mangum only trails Rafael Palmeiro (193) for the most hits in program history through the first two seasons.

Fans can get a chance to meet Mangum, Pikington and the rest of the 2018 Diamond Dawgs at the Opening Night Banquet on January 13. Additional information about the event, including ticket prices can be found here.

2018 Preseason Honors
Jake Mangum – OF – Third Team Preseason All-American (Perfect Game)
Konnor Pilkington – SP – Second Team Preseason All-American (Collegiate Baseball, Perfect Game)
Spencer Price – RP – Third Team Preseason All-American (Collegiate Baseball)