Rebels fall to South Carolina, 4-2; rubber game set for Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
COLUMBIA, S.C — Following a game one win Thursday night, Ole Miss baseball looked to lock down the series with a win over South Carolina Friday night. Unfortunately, outside of Tim Elko, the Rebel bats were held to two hits as the Gamecocks held on to a 4-2 victory.
The Captain
Super Senior Tim Elko cranked things up early when he blasted a solo shot to left field in the first inning to stake the Rebels to a 1-0 lead.
Not so tiny Tim.@TimElko | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/RhCYBh3OUK
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) April 15, 2022
Elko magic would happen again at Founders Park, this time in the sixth as the Captain drove a ball to deep center, carrying the South Carolina center fielder into the outfield wall.
It was Elko’s SEC leading-15th home run and 37th of his Ole Miss career. Combined with singles in the fourth and eighth, the Floridian would go 4-for-4 in the game.
“I was just trying to see some pitches in the strike zone, put good swings on them, keep it simple,” Elko said after the game
Tim. AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/1CdHcoQsNw
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) April 16, 2022
Bad Fortune on the Mound
Head coach Mike Bianco felt starter Derek Diamond did well, overall. Unfortunately, a wind-aided fly ball ended up being a 3-run home run in the third inning.
Diamond would allow the four Carolina runs, traveling 5 1/3 innings and recording four strikeouts. Riley Maddox went the final 2 2/3 innings with giving up a hit nor a run.
What’s Next for Ole Miss?
The rubber match at South Carolina has been moved to 2:00 p.m. (CT) due to weather. The Rebels look to win their third road series of year. Junior RHP Jack Washburn (4-2, 3.45 ERA) gets the ball for Ole Miss while the Gamecocks counter with Sophomore RHP Will Sanders (5-1, 3.42 ERA).
Hotty Toddy!
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.
