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Ole Miss Baseball: Rebels Drop Game 1 To Mizzou 9-3, Game 2 Today

By Daniel Skipper

Jun 24, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Baseball before the contest between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Baseball before the contest between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite an early 2-0 lead, and even out-hitting the Missouri Tigers, Ole Miss baseball dropped the series opener in a 9-3 contest. The loss drops the Rebels record to 23-15 overall and 7-9 in SEC play. Can the Rebels rebound today?

What has happened to Ole Miss baseball? That’s the question many Rebel fans have this morning as they ponder last nights game. Of course, we have a ton of excuses. We are indeed a young team with only one senior, Colby Bortles, stepping to the plate Friday night for the Rebels. In fact, only 5 of 12 Rebel hitters are upperclassmen. By the way, Bortles (.286) went 2 for 4 on the night and knocked in 1 RBI.

Although we are a young team, we happen to play in a conference where rosters have few seniors. Add to that, the fact this is a #1 recruiting class and it leaves many Rebel fans scratching our heads. However, being young in the SEC can also bring new challenges especially with a freshman loaded line-up. Last nights line-up had 5. Give them credit though, they are playing hard.

At The Plate

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Mizzou (27-12, 8-8) had a late starting pitcher change just minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Cole Bartlett would go a full 9 innings against Rebel batters only striking out 3 and giving up 10 hits. However, Bartlett only allowed 2 earned runs. 8 of the 10 hits came to the top 5 hitters in the Rebel order.

Tate Blackman (.276) went 1 for 4, which included the Rebel’s lead-off single in the 1st. Blackman also scored a run later in the inning. Will Golsan (.295) went 3 for 4 in the box and scored 2 runs.

Ryan Olenek (.278) went 1 for 4 on the night knocking in the other Rebel RBI. Tim Rowe (.290) once again hit in the DH spot, going 1 for 4. Thomas Dillard (.214) went 1 for 3 while Cooper Johnson (.151) was 1 for 2 at the plate. The bottom of the order has to begin to produce on a consistent level or we could see more tough days on the diamond.

On The Mound

James McArthur (2-3, 3.43) was the starter for Ole Miss against the Missouri Tigers. While only allowing 3 hits in the game, two were over the outfield wall. However, McArthur went 6 innings and gave up 4 earned while chalking up 5 Ks. He did issue one walk on the night.

Will Stokes (1-0, 2.75) pitched the 7th, striking out 2 Tiger batters while giving up 2 walks and an unearned run. Brady Feigl (2-2, 4.14) pitched the 8th striking out 1 and walking 2. Conner Green (6.17) finished out the night in the 9th and etched 2 Ks. Green allowed 2 earned runs.

Game 2 Today

The Ole Miss Rebels will match-up again this afternoon with the Missouri Tigers in Game 2 of the 3 game series. Mike Bianco will rely on his normal Saturday starter David Parkinson (5-2, 2.68) on the hill for the Rebels.

According to OleMissSports.com, last evening’s late scratch for Game 1 starter, will be the starter this afternoon. Tanner Houck is scheduled to start for Mizzou. Can Ole Miss continue to find ways to get on base and hit productively with runners in scoring position? We find out today at 4pm CT from Swayze Field.  The game will be broadcast via SECN+.

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