“Arkansas Takes Early Lead, Rebels Respond with Two RBI Singles”
The Ole Miss Rebels baseball team displayed commendable effort but succumbed to a 7-4 defeat against the top-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks during their away game on Saturday afternoon. This loss marked the Rebels’ seventh consecutive defeat as they were swept by Arkansas. Moreover, Ole Miss baseball has encountered a rough patch, losing its last three SEC series.
In an attempt to rejuvenate the team’s performance, Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco opted for a strategic change on Sunday, allowing junior reliever Mason Nichols to make his debut start for the Rebels. Heading into the matchup, Nichols had amassed a career ERA of 4.27 across 84.1 innings with 110 strikeouts.
During his inaugural start, Nichols managed three solid innings before Arkansas broke the deadlock in the fourth inning with a solo home run. Despite allowing three hits, three walks, and one earned run, the Jackson, Mississippi native struck out four batters.
Although Arkansas took an early lead, the Rebels responded with two RBI singles, seizing a 2-1 advantage in the top of the fifth inning. However, Arkansas swiftly regained momentum, scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame. Ole Miss’ freshman Brayden Randle leveled the score with a left-field single, bringing in sophomore Judd Utermark in the sixth inning. Nevertheless, Arkansas pulled ahead once more in the seventh inning, scoring four runs to reclaim the lead.
Outfielder Ethan Groff emerged as a standout performer for the Rebels, tallying two hits and two RBIs in four at-bats.
Nichols was relieved by a succession of five Rebel pitchers: Josh Mallitz (0.1 IP), Brayden Jones (0.2 IP), Connor Spencer (1.1 IP), Sam Tookoian (0.1 IP), and Ryne Rodriguez (1.2 IP). Collectively, the Ole Miss bullpen conceded six runs and five walks.
The Rebels will now return to Oxford to host the Murray State Racers on Tuesday evening at Swayze Field, with the game slated to commence at 6:30 p.m. CT. Viewers can tune in to ESPN for coverage of the event.
