Against a taxed Ole Miss pitching staff, it only took Texas Tech three at-bats to build a 10-run lead in the Lubbock Regional championship round, en route to its way to eliminating the Rebels from the NCAA Tournament by a 14-2 score.
Leading 2-0, after two, the Red Raiders went through three different Ole Miss pitchers in the top of the third inning as they exploded for eight runs to extend their advantage to 10-0. Texas Tech was the visiting team in the matchup despite the game being on its home field.
Ole Miss ends its season with a respectable final record of 36-26. The Rebels played one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. Head coach Jamie Trachsel was also charged with replacing her entire pitching staff that led her program to its first ever appearance at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Texas Tech advances to the Super Regional at Gainesville where SEC member Florida awaits.
Ole Miss cut into the lead, 10-2, in the bottom of the third when catcher Kennedy Bunker blasted a solo home run off the camera deck in deep center and shortstop Cassie Reasner doubled to right center scoring teammate Mackenzie Pickens from second base.
Texas Tech increased its lead to 11-2 in the top of the fourth.
There was a little drama in the bottom of the fourth. Ole Miss hitter Taylor Roman struck out and hitting coach Bobby Buchanan was ejected from the game after arguing the call. To be fair, umpiring was rather shoddy the entire tournament and Buchanan’s frustrations simply spilled over.
Ole Miss first baseman Persy Llamas
Texas Tech extended its lead to 14-2 in the top of the fifth. Ole Miss put runners on in the bottom of the inning but failed to push a run across, thus the game was called due to the run rule.
The parade of Ole Miss pitchers included starter Emilee Boyer, who was relieved by freshman Gracyn Jordan, who was relieved by Kyra Aycock, who was relieved by Lilly Whitten, who was finally relieved by Boyer again.
Boyer, who worked six magnificent innings versus the Red Raiders on Saturday, allowed six hots and seven run in a total of 2.2 innings.
No one had an answer on Sunday.