Ole Hotty Toddy
Fansided

Ole Miss Baseball: Rebels Drop Series To Bulldogs, Hope To Avoid Sweep Today

By Daniel Skipper

Jun 18, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos warm up before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos warm up before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

April Fools Day came early as #19 Ole Miss Baseball blew a 3 run lead in the 7th inning, giving the Mississippi State Bulldogs the win in game 1 Thursday night at Swayze Field. The Rebels lost the series Friday 5-3 and are on the cusp of a sweep to MSU. Can the Rebels avoid being the joke today?

Ole Miss baseball fans can always expect fireworks in the rivalry between the Rebels and Bulldogs. Thursday night lived up to expectations in at least that respect. Ole Miss (16-10, 3-4) jumped out to an early lead on a score by Tate Blackman and looked to be in control most of the game. However, the Rebels allowed Mississippi State (17-10, 4-3) to erase a 3 run deficit in the 7th and tie the game.

A wild pitch in the top of the 9th inning would allow Miss State to take the lead in the game. Ole Miss would play Bianco ball in the bottom of the inning and have runners in scoring position, however the skipper’s tactics would prove ineffective. Mississippi State would win the first game of the series 4-3.

Friday’s Game

More from Ole Miss Baseball

Ole Miss hoped to even the series Friday night against their in-state rival, but fell short. Despite recording 11 hits the Rebels were limited to only 3 runs, while stranding 10 runners. Nick Fortes was solid at the plate in 3 for 4 effort, knocking in 2 runs. Ryan Olenek also contributed a 3 for 4 day at the plate. Grae Kessinger would knock in the other lone Rebel run while going 1 for 4.

Ole Miss jumped out to an early lead and stayed ahead until the top of the 4th. Miss State scored 3 runs in the frame to take a 4-2 lead and never looked back. Each team would add runs to make the final 5-3. State hitters would tally 13 hits on the night.

April Fools Day

If only the score-sheets could be reversed on today of all days. However, Ole Miss baseball finds itself on the verge of being swept by Miss State. Let’s hope the April Fools joke isn’t on the Rebels today.

Left-handed freshman Ryan Rolison (3-0, 1.80) will be on the hill today for Ole Miss. By the way, Rolison will be making his first ever SEC start. This will be a huge test for the young pitcher as he faces one of the best combos in the SEC in Mangum and Rooker.

First pitch is set for 1:30pm CT and will be televised on SECN+ and the ESPN app. Of course, the radio broadcast is available thru the Ole Miss IMG Sports Network.

Are You Ready?

Home/Ole Miss Baseball