Career night from Doug Nikhazy leads Rebs to 4-3 win over FSU
OXFORD, Miss. — Dominant. Electric. Special. Record-setting. Superb. Awesome. Unreal. These are just a few words to describe Doug Nikhazy’s pitching performance on Saturday evening at Swayze Field.
In a winners bracket game vs. Florida State, the Rebels looked to advance to the Regional Final. Doug, in what might be his final #DougDay at Oxford-University Stadium, did not disappoint.
The Swayze faithful literally hung on every pitch as Nikhazy recorded a career-high and school-record tying 16 strikeouts, including the last five batters he faced, as the Rebels defeated the Seminoles, 4-3.
Career-high 16Ks for Doug today, and he ties the single-game school record for strikeouts! 🔥#HottyToddy #DougDay
(📸: @OleMissPix) pic.twitter.com/IOAcI3yGYp— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) June 6, 2021
Doug’s seven-inning performance earned the All-American his tenth win of the season, allowing him to join the 10 wins/100 strikeouts-in-a-season club that includes legendary Rebels Ryan Rolison, Jamey Price and Pete Montrenes.
The junior, who is expected to enter the upcoming MLB draft, talked after the game about his mindset on the mound.
“It’s moments like that when you think about how many chances you’re going to get to wear this jersey again. I love firing up the dugout. A pitcher when they’re on the mound they command the energy of the game.”
Ole Miss pitcher Doug Nikhazy
KKKKKKK…Doug Nikhazy is on it tonight! 😤#RoadToOmaha x 🎥 @OleMissBSB pic.twitter.com/1Bc6o5V6l3
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 6, 2021
DOUG. NIKHAZY.
16 STRIKEOUTS.
💻 https://t.co/tlg2JiRHjp pic.twitter.com/5AkMyvDk6p
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) June 6, 2021
For the second straight night, Ole Miss closer Taylor Broadway was perfect. He recorded a two-inning save, his fifteenth save of the year. He faced the minimum six batters, fanning the entire ninth inning of Florida State batters.
#ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/nT2WsfzaAN
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) June 6, 2021
Ever the opportunists, Ole Miss scored all of its runs off of Florida State miscues from the middle of the Seminoles’ infield.
Jacob Gonzalez and Tim Elko scored in the first inning when Graham put the ball into play to the second baseman. Graham has now reached base in 55 straight games.
Rebs with the bats!
Tim with the speed!
Swayze rocking early!
💻 https://t.co/tlg2JiRHjp pic.twitter.com/2xj2sMCv97
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) June 5, 2021
After the Seminoles took the lead in the fifth inning, Ole Miss took it back in the seventh. With Tim Elko at the plate, the injured captain rolled a relatively routine grounder to shortstop, but a throwing error allowed pinch runner Cade Sammons and Gonzalez to score to put the Rebels ahead for good.
Shortstop throws it away, Rebs plate two, and there's life at Swayze!#RebsBSB 4, FSU 3
💻 https://t.co/tlg2JiRHjp pic.twitter.com/VNIXYHS8Z5
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) June 6, 2021
The Rebels were not without other scoring opportunities, including the sixth inning when the bases were loaded with one out.
What’s Next for Ole Miss?
Weather is predicted in the Oxford area Sunday while the Rebels await the winner of the rematch of Southern Miss and Florida State. Game time for the Rebels is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Sophomore Drew McDaniel will start. McDaniel has a 5-1 record, 5.14 ERA with 69 strike outs and 21 walks.
Postgame Presser
Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Chris Muller
Chris is our Director of Baseball Content and Senior Baseball Writer. Muller is a 1995 Graduate of Ole Miss. He is a collegiate recreational sports professional currently residing in Arlington Texas with his wife of 25 years, Amber, and German Shorthaired Pointer, Sophie. Chris is an avid Ole Miss Baseball and Football fan. His hobbies include watching college football and baseball and playing poker with his friends.
