Rebels take series from No. 1 Florida, Orvis has more RBIs than innings played

Two steps and a little profanity.

Two steps towards second base from third is what caused senior first baseman Sikes Orvis to have more RBIs (4) than innings played (3).

In the bottom of the first inning, “The Stache” hit a three-run homer over the left field wall and showers of beer followed. Orvis then slapped an RBI double in the third, driving in J.B. Woodman to give Ole Miss a 5-0 lead. Everything was setting up for the Orlando, Florida native to have a monster afternoon.

“It was awesome, Sikes comes in a drops a bomb,” said Ole Miss starting Pitcher Brady Bramlett. “It is always great when ‘Big Puma’, thats what we call him, comes in and gets you three runs in the first inning.”

Orvis advanced to third later in the inning. There was an altercation on second between Rebel base runner Tate Blackman and Florida shortstop Richie Martin. Orvis took two steps off of third base towards second. He was instantly tossed for unsportsmanlike conduct. Orvis was suspended for game three, an official rule of the SEC. If a player is ejected they are instantly suspended for the next game.

“Sikes lost his composure, there was obviously some words said between Tate and their shortstop,” said Ole Miss Head Coach Mike Bianco. “Sikes used some profanity, protecting his little brother and got ejected for that.”

In spite of losing Orvis, the Rebels did enough on defense to take the game, eventually winning 5-2.

Bramlett went six innings and was credited with the win after throwing 70 strikes on 105 pitches. He had six strikeouts and gave two runs on six hits. Jacob Waguespack pitched 1.2 innings of relief, with three strikeouts. Wyatt Short finished the game and recorded the save.

“I thought we have really pitched well lately,” said Bianco. “Trent, Bramlett, Weathersby, Wagues, Wyatt these five guys have been really consistent for us.”

After that, the pitching staff is thin. The lack of Sunday starter has hurt the Rebels in SEC play. In game two on Saturday, Ole Miss struggled out of the gate, giving up five runs in the first three innings. Freshman Will Stokes got the nod, and obviously nerves played a major role in his struggle. Stokes had seen action in relief, but this was his first start. The Rebels lost game three, 8-4.

“I think the world of him [Strokes], but this was probably, as far stuff, this was by far the worst day,” said Bianco. “When you’re talking about command. normally he [Strokes] just fills it up.”

With the series win, Ole Miss improved to 13-10 overall and 3-3 in the SEC.

The Rebels will be back in action for a doubleheader Tuesday versus UAB and then travel to Arkansas for a Thursday, Friday, Saturday series. The first game will be televised by ESPNU.