Ole Miss Baseball: Rebels Eliminated In Hoover, Await NCAA Selections

Ole Miss baseball really needed a good showing in Hoover to have a decent shot at another NCAA tourney appearance. However, the Rebels fell short in the opening round contest to the Auburn Tigers 5-4.

Ole Miss baseball (32-25) came into Hoover for the SEC Tourney in hopes of gaining a second consecutive win against the Tigers. The No.9 seed Rebels jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but couldn’t hold on. The No.8 seed Auburn Tigers (35-22) capitalized on clutch hitting and a strong pitching arm to go ahead of the Rebels. The Rebels did manage to tie the game at one point, however the Rebels allowed the Tigers to go ahead for good and ultimately take the game 5-4.

Of course, the winner of their game knew they would be facing the No.1 seed Florida Gators. Ole Miss was swept by the Gators during the regular season. On the other hand, Auburn also faced Florida during the regular season and swept the Gators.

A win over Auburn may not have gotten Ole Miss much further in the SEC Tourney, although it would have at least extended their season by two games. Also, a win over Auburn may have enabled them to have postseason aspirations beyond the SEC Tourney. Will Ole Miss have a chance to make the NCAA postseason? Maybe, but it’s doubtful. For now let’s look at Tuesday nights game by the numbers.

At The Plate

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On the night, 6 Rebel batters accounted for 4 runs on 7 hits. However, in total Rebel batters drew 1 walk and struck out 12 times. Leading all Rebel hitters in the game was Will Golsan. Golsan went 2 for 3 on the evening and scored 2 runs.

Nick Fortes and Kyle Watson both went 1 for 3 and each knocked in a RBI. Tate Blackmon also had a 1 for 3 day at the plate.

Also providing in the box were Rebels Colby Bortles and Ryan Olenek. They both went 1 for 4 on the night with Olenek knocking in a RBI.

Of course, Cooper Johnson got his name in the box score with a 1 for 3 night at the plate. Johnson has proven to be an asset behind the plate and along side as this season has progressed.

In an effort to be positive about this baseball season, which has been hard on a personal level, I try to be good. It may make some Ole MIss baseball fans mad, but this season has been an utter disappointment.

On The Hill

From a baseball point of view it is evident Ole Miss skipper Mike Bianco was pulling out all stops. Coach Bianco opted for Brady Feigl as the starter for the SEC Tourney opener. Feigl went 3.2 innings on the rubber and allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits. Feigl walked one Tiger batter while etching 2 Ks.

Bianco went to the bullpen in the 4th and Houston Roth took the hill. Roth went 1.1 innings and allowed no earned runs on 1 hit while also recording 2 Ks. Will Stokes entered the game in the 6th and went 1.1 innings and allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits while recording 3 Ks.

Of course, Bianco went to the bullpen yet again and Dallas Woolfolk took the mound and finished the game for the Rebels. Woolfolk went 1.2 innings and allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits while recording 1 K.

Pitching has been our strongest point this season and the Ole Miss pitching staff has seldom failed to do their job. However, it’s difficult to win games when you have fewer hits and more errors than your opponent. Plain and simple.

Now the Rebels and Ole Miss baseball fans are left to wait and watch until Memorial Day. The NCAA Baseball Championship Selection Show will be televised on ESPNU at 11am CT. OLe MIss baseball fans, don’t get your hopes too high.

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