It wasn’t the prettiest game they’ve played, but the Rebels were able to come out on top of the Evansville Purple Aces in the first game of their Friday evening doubleheader. After going down 2-0 in the second, Ole Miss would respond with 7 unearned runs to close out the game.
In a sandwich weekend, between their participation in the Bruce Bolt College Classic and their SEC opening weekend at Texas, the Rebels were hoping to bring some swag to Swayze to fuel a run in conference play.
Hunter Elliott started the game strongly, striking out the side in the first, but would have some struggles throughout the remainder of the game. In the top of the second he would give up two solo-shots to the Aces, then in the third he would retire the side in order off a double-play. The fourth and fifth innings represented his greatest struggles on Friday however, with Evansville able to get runners in scoring position both times; Elliott, however, was able to work out of both jams without giving up a run.
Hudson Calhoun would take the mound for the Rebels after Elliot finished his day by giving up a leadoff single in the top of the sixth. Calhoun would be lights out for Ole Miss this afternoon, throwing for 4 innings and giving up just one hit while striking out nine Purple Aces batters.
The Rebels were able to get some hits throughout the day but were not able to capitalize on runners in scoring position for much of the game. Their RISP has been down recently and was a major part of both of their losses on the season. However, Ole Miss was able to overcome all of that in Swayze this Friday afternoon.
In the bottom of the third, the Rebels were able to open their scoring effort. Hayden Federico doubled, Dom Decker followed him up with a single; then, Judd Utermark hit a sac fly to bring Federico home. Dome Decker would steal second and eventually score off a Will Furniss single.
A pair of leadoff homeruns in the bottoms of the fourth and fifth by Tate Sirmans and Utermark would have the Rebels leading by two heading into the sixth.
Ole Miss would go on to pick up three more runs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the 7-2 victory.
Next Up
The Rebels will play the second game of the doubleheader this evening, with first pitch expected around 6:42. Cade Townsend, the sophomore righty, will get the start on the mound for the Rebels in game two. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.
