Ole Miss vs Arkansas State: Midweek Baseball Matchup Preview

It is a short break for the Rebels who will take the field at Swayze for the first time in 2025. This came after they returned home from a successful trip to Arlington for the Shriners Children’s College Showcase, where they went 2-1. Taking down two top-25 teams in Arizona and Clemson. 

This midweek matchup against Sun Belt opponent, the Arkansas State Red Wolves, was moved up a couple of hours to 2 PM Central time for first pitch due to snow moving into the south this afternoon. It will be a cold one in Swayze today. 

The Rebels announced their pitchers for this game yesterday. It will be Division II, University of Tampa transfer Alex Canney, getting the start. It was also announced that freshman Cade Townsend will make his collegiate debut in relief. I am excited to see both of these guys pitch. I have been incredibly high on Townsend throughout the offseason and think he has future first-round stuff. I also expect that one of Canney or Townsend will eventually move into the Sunday starter role come SEC play, moving Nichols to the bullpen, and the other will end up the full-time midweek guy. 

In terms of the lineup, it looks like Mike is going to use this opportunity to get struggling hitters like Paino, Furniss, and Smithwick are back into the lineup against weaker pitching to try to kickstart their offensive output and jog some confidence. 

I am a little disappointed not to see Federico at 2B.

The Red Wolves are coming off a series loss to Morehead State. They went 1-2 and were run-ruled in the rubber match on Monday. The projected pitcher for this afternoon is Dutch-born Jelle van Der Lelie, who, in 11 starts last year and 52 innings pitched, had an ERA of 8.32. He also pitched one inning on Friday against Morehead, allowing three hits and one run. The Red Wolves were pretty stagnant on offense this weekend. Their biggest threat at the plate looks to be third baseman Daedrick Cali.

How to Watch / Listen and Odds 

The game will be streamed on SEC Network + and can be found on the ESPN app. Jake Hromada and the Rebels' own Keith Kessinger will be on the call. You can also tune into the game via radio, which will be on the Ole Miss Radio Network, available on the Ole Miss App, and the voice of the Rebels, David Kellum, will be on the call. 

There is only a Money Line out from Draftkings for this one. 
Ole Miss: -330
Arkansas State: +240

We will have a recap up here following the game. Hotty Toddy!