Break out the brooms! Ole Miss baseball is on fire after sweeping the Alabama Crimson Tide in a home SEC series. Ole Miss bats came alive at the right time to secure the game-3 win and their 4th consecutive win. However, they now have in-state foe #16 USM again Tuesday.
Ole Miss baseball had a field day with Bama baseball. Actually, they had 3 field-days as they would sweep the Alabama Crimson Tide 3 games in their 1st SEC sweep of the young season. Of course, the Rebels found the momentum Friday and never looked back.
Ole Miss (20-12, 6-6) was literally playing to stay out of the bottom of the SEC West, entering the series with a 3-6 SEC record. Now, with the Tide sweep, Ole Miss is only 2 games behind a 3-way tie for 1st place in the West. Ole Miss looks to this coming weekend series at #8 LSU to gain a better foothold in the SEC. Of course, first things first, the Rebels have #16 Southern Miss for a in-state midweek match-up.
Blackman Is Back
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Tate Blackman (.277) has found his rhythm again at the plate. After an 0 for 5 game-1, Tate was the hero of game-2 when he blasted a walk-off shot to cinch the series. Sunday, Tate was on fire, going 3 for 4 and knocking in 2 RBIs.
Of course, the Rebels would garner 8 runs on 10 hits in the final game. Will Golsan (.287) had an outstanding day at the plate himself, going 2 for 3 and accounting for 3 RBIs. Ryan Olenek (.281) would go 1 for 3, but had 2 RBIs. Tim Rowe accounted for the other Ole Miss RB1 while having a 2 for 4 day in the box as DH.
The Ole Miss Rebels have found their way out of the hitting slump they’ve been in. However, stranding runners continues to be a problem. Of course, when you hit the ball consistently, LOB numbers can go largely ignored. I have to believe the Rebel bats are back to stay.
On The Hill
Ryan Rolison (4-1, 1.99) drew the Sunday start for Ole Miss and he shined. Rolison pitched 5.2 innings of work, while allowing only 1 earned run and ringing up 7 Ks. According to OleMissSports.com, Rolison is the #10 Freshman prospect in the nation. (Per D1Baseball.com)
Will Ethridge (1-2, 2.79) entered the game in the 6th and contributed 1.1 innings of effort on the rubber. He allowed only 1 hit in 5 batters while etching 3 Ks. The ultra-reliable closer Dallas Woolfolk (3-1, 1.07) finished up the last 2 innings of work on the mound. Woolfolk allowed 1 earned run on 4 hits while striking out 3 Tide batters.
It’s safe to assume we will get used to seeing this pitching combo a good bit thoughout the rest of the season. Obviously, Coach Bianco feels comfortable with Rolison as his Sunday starter, and for good reason.
#16 USM…Again
Of course, midweek games are supposed to be a little easier than weekend series. However, a in-state rivalry game is never easy, and especially when it’s #16 USM (26-7). Just a week ago, Ole Miss was able to get a 6-5 win over the Golden Eagles in a 12 inning affair, when pitcher Jason Barber scored on a wild pitch.
Tuesday night, Southern Mississippi welcomes Ole Miss baseball to Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg. Freshman right-hander Greer Holston (0-2, 3.18) gets the start on the hill for the Rebels. First pitch is set for 7pm CT and will be aired on the Ole Miss Radio Network.
Are You Ready?