Ole Miss was able to overcome some ugly fielding early and secure their fourth straight victory to start the season in a 7-6 win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves Tuesday night at Swayze Field.
In the bottom of the ninth with the game tied and runners on first and third, shortstop Brayden Randle came to the plate and delivered with a sacrifice fly to right field that sent Brett Moseley home for the winning run.
Owen Kelly started on the mound for the Rebels, his second appearance after a short relief outing on Friday against Nevada, and pitched three innings giving up three unearned runs. Brayden Hooks came on to relieve him in the fourth and gave up three runs, all earned.
The Rebels may have struck pay dirt with their third reliever of the night, redshirt sophomore JP Robertson out of Pearl River CC. Robertson took the mound in the fifth with two down and quickly settled in after giving up a pair of singles, striking out Ashton Quiller to retire the side. He would keep delivering gas striking out a total over 5 over 2.1 innings, showing an upper 90’s fastball and two off speed pitches in the 80’s.
Head coach Mike Bianco was proud of Robertson and fellow reliever Landon Koenig, who closed out the game on the mound for the Rebels, saying, “It was more of a calming effect. They gave us an opportunity to lock in.”
The Rebels also got a big game out of DH Collin Reuter, who will start at catcher tomorrow. Reuter went 2-4 with a home run and a walk. “The process is what’s gonna get us through this,” said Reuter. “If we stay together, we’ll win this game.”
Next Up
The Rebels are back in action at home tomorrow against Jackson State at 4 PM. Terry Hayes, a transfer from Bellevue College, will get the start on the mound for the Rebels. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network+. As always, remember to stay here for the latest on all things about your Ole Miss Rebels!
