OMAHA, Neb- Ole Miss’ season is officially over after squandering a 6-2 lead to Troy, now it’s time to go back to the building board for Mike Bianco.
Photo: Ole Miss athletics
A game full of emotions, Ole Miss struggled to find consistency in the area that has proven to be reliable for them all season.
The Rebels came to Omaha sitting undefeated with a 5-0 record in the post season, but could not capitalize on the moment at the College World Series.
Hunter Elliott began the day for Ole Miss, the senior LHP dawned the dance for the second time of his career in Omaha, and things started off nice, but ended in frustrating fashion.
A questionable balk call in the fifth inning, would begin the downfall for the Rebels and Elliot. Despite a 6-2 lead, Ole Miss squandered three runs in the fifth inning, and it all happened with two outs. Two singles to drive in three runs would end Elliots day after nine strikeout and 98 pitches.
“No explanation on it, surprised maybe a little, but it is what it is. I needed to make the next pitch, the balk doesn’t matter if you don’t give up the next hit.”
- Ole Miss pitcher Hunter Elliott on the balk call
The Ole Miss offense up to that point continued to produce at the highest level, scoring in three of the first four innings, Ole Miss started the game hot.
JP Robertson replaced Hunter Elliott, and would earn the loss on the day, after giving up two earned runs in 1.2 innings and 15 pitches. Walker Hooks entered the game for the Rebels in the 6th inning, and both pitchers struggled to find any rhythm of success.
Hooks would only appear for 0.2 innings, but the play began to go downhill for the Rebels.
Hooks in two games in the College World Series would accumulate six earned runs, as Ole Miss could not stop the power, confidence, and speed of the Troy offense.
“I know when he came in today, it seems like a lot of balls missed middle, but I don’t really have the answer for that.”
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- Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco on Walker Hooks
A walk to start the game for Hooks followed by a two-run double and a rbi single, the Rebels squandered the lead after a four run seventh inning, and the Trojans never gave it back.
The offense saw spurts, Brayden Randle, Hayden Federico, and Austin Fawley all produced multiple hits and batted runners in today.
The bats started hot, but ultimately could not produce late, as the Rebels were out hit by the Trojans 14-12
A lot of questions can be asked, but nonetheless, this Ole Miss team made history, putting the program back in the right direction.
“It always hurts to finish, everybody loses their last game except the team that wins the national championship.”