TROY, Ala. — Mississippi State left the midweek behind with a smile on its face and the sweet taste of victory on its lips.

The Bulldogs scored four runs in the first inning, pounded out 12 hits in the game, and beat Troy 7-3 Wednesday in its final midweek game of the season.

The Bulldogs (34-14-1) finished the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 19-5-1 record.

The first six hitters in the lineup each had an RBI Wednesday, and the first five batters scored a run. The No. 7 hitter, Ryan Gridley, went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Jack Kruger, Gavin Collins and Brent Rooker all had two hits, including a double, while driving in one run and scoring another.

Collins had an RBI double and Rooker an RBI single during the big first inning that sent Mississippi State on its way.

In the second inning, the Bulldogs scored two more runs to make it 6-0. Kruger had an RBI double and Nathaniel Lowe hit a sacrifice fly.

Six MSU pitchers combined to hold Troy (27-23) to three runs on seven hits. Starter Zac Houston (4-0) only pitched one inning, but was credited with the win. Keegan James threw 3 2/3 innings in middle relief, and Blake Smith worked the last 1 2/3 for his third save of the season.

Troy starter Cory Gill (3-3) allowed seven runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings. T.J. Binder went 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and a run scored for the Trojans.

Troy lost its fourth consecutive game.

“It’s a disappointing loss,” Troy coach Mark Smartt said. “We got off to a poor start, but I was really pleased with how we hung in there. It could’ve gotten away from us pretty quick, but our bullpen did a great job to give us a chance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get enough offense to overcome the deficit.”

Mississippi State will continue its Alabama road trip on Friday when it goes to Auburn to begin a three-game SEC series.