Behind Elko’s Grand Slam and 7 RBI, Ole Miss pounds Oral Roberts in Game One, 16-2
Oxford, Miss. – The last non-conference weekend of the 2022 season brought Oral Roberts to Oxford. The No. 2-ranked Rebels (11-1) handily defeated the Golden Eagles,16-2, to take game one of the series.
It was a close game through 3 ½ innings, but Ole Miss put distance on the scoreboard in the fourth and effectively put the game away in the fifth. The big margin of victory allowed head coach Mike Bianco to use players who are usually confined to weekday or late-inning roles.
Rebel Bats on display
The boys in red recorded 16 runs on 13 hits, and it will come as no surprise the Rebels were led by the Captain, Tim Elko. The senior leader went 3-for-3 with a walk, a grand slam and seven RBI.
Other Ole Miss players with multiple hits include center fielder Justin Bench with two singles, two runs scored and an RBI, along with third baseman Reagan Burford who tallied two doubles, two runs scored and one RBI.
.@burford_reagan drops it in to put 2 in scoring position! pic.twitter.com/SAgv4NsJ1v
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 11, 2022
Second baseman Peyton Chatagnier scored a team-high three runs. Chatagnier sent a ball to the left field fence that scored Burford and Hayden Leatherwood.
Making 'em Pey
See what we did there?@peytonchat5 | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/Ke2l9uFB5N
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 11, 2022
“I thought they were going to attack me with a fastball and just was ready for it.”
Tim Elko on his grand slam
This is Tim. Tim hits tanks.
Would recommend being careful when pitching to Tim.@TimElko | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/3qXOMuffl6
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 11, 2022
On the mound
John Gaddis, the first-time Friday starter for the Rebels, threw five innings of solid baseball. While certainly not perfect, Gaddis recorded seven strikeouts while scattering three walks, seven hits and two runs.
Over the course of his outing, the graduate transfer stranded eight ORU runners.
Coach Bianco talked about Gaddis’ effort. “They’re a good offense (ORU)…(Gaddis) gave up a couple runs but it could have been a lot worse,” the head coach said.
During a mound visit Bianco told his pitcher, “…don’t get frustrated, just continue to make pitches.”
Three Ks early for @john_gaddis23. pic.twitter.com/uzlRsAPZs5
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 11, 2022
Gaddis limits the damage to 1 and sends us to the home half. pic.twitter.com/8EBRqGXGNq
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 11, 2022
In relief, Mason Nichols and Josh Mallitz combined for a four-inning shutout. Nichols allowed just two hits, while Mallitz threw a 1-2-3 eighth and ninth innings.
DeadSoxy Game Ball
Any guy that sets a career-high in RBI deserves the DeadSoxy Game Ball.
When that guy is the Captain, Tim Elko, and he also goes 3-for-3 with a grand slam (his second grand slam of the season) and a total of 7 RBIs, it’s kind of a no-brainer.
Congrats to Tim on his second DeadSoxy.com Game Ball of the year.
DEADSOXY'S HOME RUN SALE!
Tim’s home run also helps Rebel fans! DeadSoxy has a HOME RUN SALE going on throughout the Oral Roberts series, where fans will receive 10% off PER home run over the series (up to 60%). Simply use the code REBELWALK to get your discount on Sunday when the series is over.
Next Up for Ole Miss
The Rebels are scheduled to play game two against Oral Roberts Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Junior Derek Diamond brings in a record of 2-0 as the Rebels look to take the series.
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.
