After they followed up their midweek victory over Ole Miss in the Governor’s Cup with a series loss to Texas A&M, and with just 10 regular season games remaining, it’s make-or-break time for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Standing at 24-21 and 9-11 in conference play, the Bulldogs need to finish the year strong if they hope to continue playing into the postseason. Luckily for them, they are facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in a three-game series this weekend. Alabama is 23-23 on the season, but has managed just a 5-16 conference record and is in the midst of a five game losing streak to Mississippi State.

“It is as important as it could be,” Mississippi State head coach Gary Henderson said of the Alabama series. “We do this every year, and every weekend is the same. Every (SEC game) is important. You have 30 of them. There is a different feel, depending on the week you’ve had, but it’s important. We need to play well, and win the series.”

Even with the Crimson Tide in the midst of a down year, Henderson still sees plenty for his team to be wary of in the series.

“They have some power at the top,” Henderson said in a press release from Mississippi State. “They have two experienced starting pitchers, and a very good left-handed bullpen. Overall, their bullpen is strong. They have a good core of left and right in the pen. They have and experienced front end, like I mentioned. They have a good bit of power. You will have to deal with Chandler Taylor effectively.”

Alabama’s potential at the plate makes choosing the right starting rotation that much more important for the Bulldogs.

“I think the first thing is to make sure everyone still feels good,” Henderson said. “I haven’t seen (Ethan) Small or (Jacob) Billingsley in the bullpen yet. I’m assuming everyone feels fine. We will look at what the best thing is, and what gives us the best chance to win.”

Catcher Marshall Gilbert has been key for the Bulldogs recently, hitting .643 (9-for-14) with two doubles, one home run and four RBIs over their last four games, but he faced some difficulties at the plate in game three of the Texas A&M series

“What you saw Sunday was fatigue,” Henderson said. “He has absolutely swung the bat well, and that’s why we did that. That’s why we started him for three games. He produced offensively, but I think he got tired behind the plate. You saw the effects of some fatigue. He’s been throwing the ball extremely well. He had three balls go sailing, which is uncharacteristic.”

Gilbert transferred in from a junior college and has seen marked improvement as his first season with Mississippi State has progressed, especially offensively.

“I’m getting used to the pitching, and better at making better decisions on what pitches to swing at,” Gilbert said. “That was a problem at the start. I was seeing nastier off-speed stuff than I was used to. Some of the pitches I’m seeing are very good, and that plays a part of it. After getting more at bats and opportunities, I’m making the most of what I can. I’m getting better every day.”

The biggest key for his growth has just been putting in the practice hours while earning his playing time.

“It helps a lot getting in and getting the reps I needed when I wasn’t in the game,” Gilbert said. “I talk with my coaches to make sure it’s not a mechanical thing, but more just swinging at better pitches. That comes now that I’m able to get in the game more.

“Outside of that, it’s about being comfortable when I get the opportunity, and not being afraid to make the most of it,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert is heating up at the right time for the Bulldogs, as he provided most of Mississippi State’s offense last series, and will need to keep showing out for them to take their weekend series against Alabama.

“Any time I can get on the field and help the team win is huge for me,” Gilbert said. “I want to be a part of the contribution. I’m open to anything. Nothing is set in stone. I’m open to being back there, and getting to work with coach Henderson. I’m able to monitor the game because I have an impact on every pitch behind the plate. I love playing, and every opportunity I can get is awesome.”