OXFORD | A Single Swing Seals the Deal
In a game where Ole Miss seemed destined to leave runners stranded, Brayden Randle delivered the hit that mattered most. With two outs in the eighth inning and the Rebels struggling to capitalize on opportunities, Randle's grounder up the middle broke the stalemate, scoring pinch runner Cannon Goldin and securing a 3-2 victory over Missouri State. This win not only swept the series but also extended Ole Miss's unbeaten run to 8-0.
Despite a day filled with missed chances-going 1-for-15 with runners on and leaving eight on base via walks-the Rebels found their moment of relief in Randle’s timely single. "I didn't like our at-bats," head coach Mike Bianco admitted.
"We were just off. Sometimes pitchers do that to you."
Wil Libbert put in another solid performance, allowing two runs over five innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. His command was sharp, mixing in more changeups this week, which kept the Bears at bay.
"I thought he was terrific," Bianco praised. "The weather didn't affect him as far as command or stuff."
Missouri State got on the board with a solo homer in the second inning and added another run in the fifth, courtesy of a tough-luck play where a miscue allowed Logan Fyffe to score. Yet, Libbert’s season stats remain impressive, boasting 14 strikeouts to just one walk.
The game began with a bang as Dom Decker, a Murray State transfer, launched his first career home run in the first inning. But the Rebels’ bats went quiet until Judd Utermark stepped up in the seventh.
Battling fierce winds, Utermark smashed his sixth home run of the season and fifth of the week, showcasing his power despite challenging conditions. "Judd is a little different human than most who play here," Bianco remarked, acknowledging the rarity of such a feat.
Collin Reuter contributed with two doubles, continuing his streak of extra-base hits over the last three games. His efforts set the stage for Randle’s decisive hit, which finally broke the Rebels' scoring drought with runners in position.
The bullpen shone brightly, with Walker Hooks and JP Robertson each delivering two scoreless innings. Hooks, who had struggled earlier in the week, found his rhythm, striking out four and allowing no runners. "I could throw everything for strikes, and that was the difference," Hooks reflected, crediting his turnaround to a conversation with pitching coach Joel Mangrum.
As Ole Miss looks to continue their streak, they will face Southeast Missouri next, with Terry Hayes set to start. The Rebels are gearing up for a challenging weekend in Houston, Texas, but if this game taught us anything, it's that sometimes, one hit is all it takes to change everything.