Coach Mike Bianco and Ole Miss baseball were back in action Friday afternoon as they faced off against Arkansas in the SEC Tourney.
Ole Miss baseball was back in action Friday in Hoover as they were facing Arkansas for the second time in the SEC Tourney. The Rebels lost the previous matchup to the Hogs 3-5 but fought their way back thru the losers bracket to pick up a win over Texas A&M to stay alive. Arkansas would give the Rebels all they wanted for a second time.
After three scoreless frames the Hogs got on the board first in the top of the fourth inning to take a 2-0 lead. The Rebels answered with 1 run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the Arkansas lead to 2-1. Ole Miss pitching and defense kept the Hogs at bay and the Rebels took a 3-2 lead with 2 runs in the bottom of the eighth. Behind another save from Parker Caracci, the Rebels picked up the 3-2 win. Of course, OHT looks at the win by the numbers and has observations.
By The Numbers
Ole Miss Rebels
In the 3-2 Friday win there were 3 Rebels who combined for just 3 hits at the plate. Juniors Thomas Dillard and Grae Kessinger both went 1 for 3 with each recording 1 RBI in the game. Freshman Kevin Graham (1HR) also went 1 for 3 at the plate with 1 RBI.
On the mound freshman right-hander Gunnar Hoglund drew the start for Bianco and the Rebels. Hoglund went for 6.1 innings allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits with 6 Ks, 2 BB and 1 HBP.
Junior right-hander Austin Miller entered in the seventh and went 1,2 innings allowing 0 runs on 2 hits with 1 K and 1 BB. Right-hander closer Parker Caracci pitched the eighth and allowed 0 hits with 1 BB. Miller (5-2) picked up the win while Caracci earned his 10th save.
Observations
If you watched the game live then you watched what we’ve been seeing thru four games in Hoover in which the Rebels are now (3-1). The Rebels continue to do what they have to do to stay alive and possibly repeat as SEC Tournament Champions.
The Rebels pitching staff has been far better than what many Ole Miss baseball fans were expecting after a six-game losing streak. Right now, the Rebels have won 4 of their last 5 games against SEC opponents and all 4 wins have been 1-run games. The Rebels will now be facing Georgia and will need more offense to stay alive.
Ole Miss baseball will be back in action Saturday as they face the Georgia Bulldogs in the semifinals of the SEC Tourney. First pitch from Hoover is set for 12pm CT and the game will be televised via the SEC Network. Good luck to coach Bianco and the Rebels! Hotty Toddy!