Ole Miss entered Sunday’s game looking to avoid getting swept at home for the first time since 2024, when Kentucky took all three games in Swayze on the last weekend in March. The Rebels, much to their chagrin, were unable to avoid that fate however, dropping the final game 7-1.
Cade Townsend returned from a shoulder injury and, outside of some home runs from the Mississippi State batters, looked the part.
Entering the day Townsend had given up four homers in his college career, but the Bulldogs were able to take him yard three times for five runs. Cade a remarkable 0.92 ERA entering the game, however after the home run festival he is now up to a 1.90 mark which is still the best among Rebel starters. Townsend went 4 innings giving up five runs, three of them earned, on five hits with eight strikeouts and no walks.
The Rebel bats continued to struggle today with runners on. Despite having the bases loaded four times Ole Miss was unable to capitalize on any of the opportunities was given.
The offense opened the day looking like it came to play with Judd Utermark walking and advancing to second on a wild pitch. Utermark would advance to third on a fly out to center by Tristan Bissetta and be driven home on a single by Collin Reuter. The Rebels would load the bases after a walk and a bunt single, but the inning would quickly end with a Daniel Pacella strikeout.
With Townsend on a pitch count, coach Bianco would turn to JP Robertson after Cade had thrown sixty-two pitches through the fourth. Robertson would throw 1+ innings giving up one run on two hits while walking two and striking out a batter.
After Robertson walked the first two batters to open the sixth, Bianco would make another call to the bullpen and Walker Hooks came out for his second appearance of the weekend. Hooks was able to work out of the two on, no out jam and get the first batter he faced to ground into a double play. He then ended the inning with a strikeout.
In the bottom of the sixth, trailing 6-1, the Rebels would load the bases off a pair of walks and a Brayden Randle single. Judd Utermark came to the plate and showed a disciplined approach, taking the first two pitches for balls before swinging and just getting under the ball to pop out to center and end the inning.
The Rebels would get their money’s worth out of Hooks today, as he threw three scoreless innings while striking out four and not issuing a walk. Landon Waters came on to close the game out in the top of the ninth, Waters would pitch the full inning and give up just one hit, a solo homer, and striking out a batter.
Looking to mount a comeback, Ole Miss would load the bases with two out in the bottom of the eighth with Judd Utermark coming to the plate. Utermark would then strike out, leaving the Rebels with an 0-5 mark with the bases loaded today.
Over the last two games Ole Miss batters have struck out 28 times, amid a weekend which coach Mike Bianco called “disappointing”.
“When you don’t win, you know it stinks,” said Bianco. “When you don’t play well at home against your rival, that’s really disappointing. They should be embarrassed. It’s unfortunate so, be miserable tonight, be embarrassed tonight and then show up tomorrow.”
With the loss today the Rebels fall to 19-10 overall and 4-6 in the SEC. With a daunting conference schedule still remaining, with four of the seven remaining series against current top 25 teams,Ole Miss has to start taking advantage of every opportunity it gets for a victory in the SEC.
Next Up
The Rebels return to action Tuesday at Swayze Field against the Little Rock Trojans for kids’ day. First pitch is set for 11 AM and the game will be available for streaming on the SEC Network+. The Rebels travel to Gainesville and face Florida in a three game conference series starting Thursday. Remember to stay here for the latest on all things about your Ole Miss Rebels!
