GAME ONE
OLE MISS 10
ALABAMA 2
While many of the good citizens of Oxford were out enjoying Double Decker on the Square this past Saturday, a mere few blocks away the Ole Miss Rebels took on the Alabama Crimson Tide in a baseball doubleheader. Due to the monsoon that came through Friday night, game one of the series was moved to noon the following day and was followed by a second game at 7:00 pm.
The Rebels dominated game one from start to finish on both defense and offense and came away with a 10-2 win.
It all started in the first inning with the Rebels jumping out to a 2-0 lead, and they never looked back.
“Offense is back, we’re back,” said Head Coach Mike Bianco. “We turned a corner; we kind of set up after Wednesday’s game, all this week we have swung a little better.”
With the Rebels scoring in abundance, the pitching staff showed up today as well. Starting pitcher Christian Trent went eight innings giving up six hits and two runs while striking out five.
“Offense was good,” said Trent. “But I honestly don’t think I have never pitched a game with a defense that locked it down, with all those plays, they probably saved three or four hits.”
Colby Bortles was one of those Rebels. After playing exceptionally well at third base, he had five RBI on three hits, including a three run homer.
Overall, the Ole Miss offense was on fire, scoring 10 runs off 17 hits in 39 at bats.
“Seeing it (the ball) really well right now,” said Bortles. “With the wind blowing out, I wanted to get the ball in the air and see if it could fly; I saw some pitches up (in the zone) and drove them.”
GAME TWO
OLE MISS 4
ALABAMA 0
Brady Bramlett started game two, dominating from the mound, going 7.1 innings striking out nine and only allowing four hits. The sophomore walked zero batters and allowed zero runs.
Scott Weathersby came in relief and gave up zero runs and had two strikeouts the rest of the way.
“Fastball was working, I was throwing a new breaking ball,” said Bramlett, who pitched more innings than in any game previously this year. I still felt strong (when I was pulled ), I was lobbying to stay in because I had a deal with Coach Clint that if I went a complete game he would let bat tomorrow.”
The highlight of Game Two was a two run bomb to right field by “The Stache”.
As soon as Orvis crossed the plate, senior catcher Austin Knight slapped a solo homer that emptied the students red cups once again.
“We had a little momentum after Sikes’ home run,” said Knight on his first career homer. “So really I was looking for a fastball, I wasn’t trying to hit a home run, just tried to get a good swing off.”
The Rebels will be back in action for game three of the series on Sunday. First pitch will be at noon FST and televised by ESPN. Follow @LocalAthletics on twitter for live updates of the game.
