Ole Miss kicked off their four-game home series at Swayze Field with a solid 9-5 victory over the Austin Peay Governors.
The Rebels (17-5, 1-2 SEC) wasted no time making an impact. In the bottom of the first inning, Tristan Bissetta launched a two-run homer to right center—his first of the day—tying Judd Utermark for the team lead with ten home runs this season.
Starting on the mound for Ole Miss was Owen Kelly, who delivered a strong performance. He pitched 2.0 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters and walking one.
The game took a turn in favor of Ole Miss during a powerful second inning. The Rebels erupted for five runs, taking a commanding 7-0 lead thanks to Collin Reuter’s impressive double down the left field line.
However, Austin Peay (11-10, 2-1 ASUN) fought back in the third inning. They scored four runs, fueled by doubles from Ty Wisdom and Cole Johnson.
In response to Austin Peay’s surge, Coach Bianco called on Terry Hayes Jr., but he struggled through 0.2 innings, giving up four runs on two hits along with a walk and a strikeout. Grayson Gibson stepped in to stabilize things, pitching 2.0 innings and allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three batters.
Bissetta continued to shine in the third inning with another two-run homer—this time his eleventh of the year—putting him ahead of Utermark in home runs for the season. He finished the game impressively, going 2-for-4 with two homers, three runs scored, and four RBIs.
The Governors managed to inch closer in the fifth when Zion Taylor led off with a single and later scored on Johnson’s second double of the game. Johnson wrapped up his day with a solid 2-for-4 performance that included two doubles and two RBIs.
In relief during the sixth inning was Owen Hancock, who excelled by throwing 2.1 scoreless innings while racking up four strikeouts—earning him his first win of the season.
“Joel (Mangrum) and I have been working on my delivery lately,” Hancock shared after his performance.
Coach Bianco praised Hancock’s efforts: ““He worked really hard for this moment. Pitched well this weekend. He is one of only two pitchers who threw for us this weekend who didn’t give up a run. Bounces back after a couple of days off and gives us two plus tonight, scoreless, and looks as good as he has ever looked.””
In the eighth inning, JP Robertson took over pitching duties for Ole Miss; he threw an efficient inning without allowing any hits or walks while recording one strikeout. Landon Waters closed out the game in the ninth but allowed one walk along with another strikeout.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss will be back in action on Thursday night as they return to conference play against the Kentucky Wildcats at 7 p.m., which will be broadcast live on SEC Network.
