Hunter Elliott's Resilience Shines Despite Struggles in Ole Miss Victory
Hunter Elliott has built his reputation on his ability to navigate tough situations with poise. While his latest outing against Missouri State wasn't his best, it showcased his resilience in turning a potentially disastrous performance into a manageable one.
Elliott, the ace for Ole Miss, faced a challenging 4.2 innings, throwing 97 pitches with only 51 strikes. He walked six batters and hit three, yet managed to limit the damage to five runs, four of which were earned. Despite these struggles, the Rebels capitalized on Missouri State's pitching, securing an 11-6 win in the series opener.
The game started with Elliott hitting three batters in the first inning, including one with the bases loaded. However, he bounced back with two crucial strikeouts to leave the bases full.
Throughout the night, Elliott found himself working out of jams, allowing only four hits. His grit was evident, particularly in the fifth inning when Ole Miss tried to keep him in for the win.
"He wasn't at his best," Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco admitted. "But he was just a pitch away from getting the win, which shows why he's so valuable. Even on an off night, he kept us in the game, and that's what you expect from your ace."
Ole Miss' offense came out swinging, scoring five runs in the first inning. Austin Fawley delivered a two-out grand slam after a run-scoring single by Tristan Bissetta. The Rebels' lineup was relentless, with Judd Utermark hitting a two-run homer in the second and a solo shot in the eighth, marking his second consecutive game with two home runs.
The offensive support was crucial, as Dom Decker and Will Furniss each crossed the plate three times, and Bissetta notched two hits for the fifth time in six games. Decker emphasized the team's chemistry, saying, "It's easy to settle in when your teammates have your back. My role is to get on base, and with hitters like Judd behind me, it's a lot of fun."
Hudson Calhoun provided steady relief, allowing just one run over 3.1 innings while navigating four hits and two walks. His ability to hold Missouri State at bay was a key factor in maintaining Ole Miss' lead.
Despite striking out 13 times, the Rebels were efficient with runners on base, going 7-for-18. They managed to tag Missouri State starter Michael Yusypchuk for eight hits and seven runs in just three innings.
As Ole Miss gears up for game two, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, they'll look to carry this momentum forward. With Missouri State standing at 3-2 for the season, the Rebels are poised to continue their strong start.