In a dominating performance, No. 17 Ole Miss clinched the series against the Evansville Aces with an impressive 14-2 victory on Friday night, showcasing their power-hitting prowess under the ten-run rule.
The Rebels (14-2) ignited their offense during a spectacular fourth inning, scoring six runs that included two thrilling three-run home runs from Daniel Pacella and Judd Utermark.
“A great night for Judd and a big night for Pacella,” praised Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco.
Overall, Ole Miss launched four home runs in this game, bringing their season total to an astonishing 33.
The scoring started early when Utermark hit a solid single to center field, eventually crossing home plate after Collin Reuter delivered an RBI single just two batters later.
On the mound, Rebels’ right-hander Cade Townsend was untouchable through the first five innings. He held Evansville scoreless, allowing only one hit while striking out seven and issuing two walks.
Evansville (3-10) managed to get two base runners aboard in the opening three innings through Harrison Taubert—who recorded one hit and one walk—but it wasn’t enough to break through Townsend’s formidable presence.
Aces starter Max Hansmann struggled on the mound as he pitched four innings, yielding eight runs on nine hits along with one walk and four strikeouts. The Aces then brought in Drew Fieger, who unfortunately allowed four more runs on four hits without recording an out.
In the third inning, Ole Miss second baseman Dom Decker made his mark by smashing his fifth home run of the season.
As the fourth inning unfolded, Pacella extended Ole Miss’s lead with his first three-run homer of the night before Utermark followed up with another blast deep into center field. This marked Utermark’s tenth home run of the season and his 39th career homer as a Rebel.
Pacella wasn’t done yet; in the fifth inning, he delivered another three-run shot that highlighted his standout performance—finishing 2-for-3 at bat with two homers, two runs scored, and an impressive six RBIs.
In relief efforts during the sixth inning, Bianco called upon Landon Waters who faced three batters before Noah Allen came in to close out the game. Allen pitched for an inning giving up two runs on two hits along with a walk.
The Rebels added their final run in the sixth when Brayden Randle reached base after being hit by a pitch and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Cannon Goldin that sailed to center field.
Evansville managed to put together some offense in the seventh inning when Drew McConnell hit a double that brought in two runs but fell short against Ole Miss’s commanding lead.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss aims for a series sweep over Evansville this Sunday at 1:30 p.m., which fans can catch streaming live on SEC Network+.
