Ole Miss run-ruled by Vanderbilt in SEC opener, 12-2
NASHVILLE – Following four weekends of non-conference action, the meat of the season began Thursday night in Nashville for No. 3-ranked Ole Miss against No. 6 Vanderbilt. It was a tough outing for the Rebels as they fell 12-2 to the Commodores in a game that ended in eight innings due to the 10-run rule now in effect in the SEC.
The two teams have met six times over the previous two season with each team winning three games apiece and Vanderbilt having the upper hand in last year’s lone meeting that came in the SEC Tournament. The tagline “It Just Means More” absolutely applies when in comes to SEC conference play.
Overall, Vanderbilt’s bats and defense prove to be too much for the Rebels to overcome Thursday night. Ole Miss also committed four errors in the game.
Commodore hitters were able to get to starter Jack Dougherty early and often. Vandy touched up Dougherty for six runs (five earned) on 11 hits as his season record drops to 2-2.
Head coach Mike Bianco talked about the challenges Dougherty faced given the errors.
“Just a tough night. I said to our guys prior to the game, when you matchup with somebody’s ace, the best way to offset that is that your ace has to put up zeroes and give you a chance. Unfortunately, we didn’t give Jack a chance tonight. Just too many errors and too many baserunners, making him really have to work harder.”
Coach Bianco on Jack Dougherty
Out of the bullpen, Mitch Murrell was able to provide some long relief, saving arms in the bullpen for the rest of the series. Murrell recorded nine outs, allowing just two hits and two runs.
“I thought he was really good,” Bianco said of Murrell.
“Probably his best night of the year. He was able to use the changeup more tonight and the slider. It’s unfortunate the situation we were in, backed up and in the first night of the series, with a four-run deficit, didn’t want to go into the bullpen and bring in anybody else. We tried to see if we could squeeze one more inning out of him and we just couldn’t.“
Coach Bianco on Mitch Murrell
From an offensive perspective, Catcher Calvin Harris was easily the Rebel standout. Harris recorded four singles and an RBI pushing his batting average to an incredible .440.
Tied up! @Calvin_Harris33 rips one to right to knot it at two. pic.twitter.com/ISN8QbF7ct
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 16, 2023
The Ole Miss lone extra base hit was delivered by shortstop Jacob Gonzalez in the third inning when he slapped a ball down the third base line, avoiding the shifted Vanderbilt infield defense.
"This kid is so good." – @KP_Omaha on @jakegonzalez717 pic.twitter.com/DvmDKvCMZ7
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) March 16, 2023
Other Rebels with hits included Kemp Alderman and Anthony Calarco. The additional RBI was contributed by Ethan Lege whose sacrifice fly scored Ethan Lege.
Next up for Ole Miss
The Rebels look to even series Friday at 6 p.m. Ole Miss will start right-hander Grayson Saunier (1-0, 5.74 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 13 walks) and will face Commodore lefty Hunter Owen (1-0, 3.20 ERA, 24 strikeouts, 8 walks).
(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.
Good article Chris. Very sad night for our Rebels. Moving on to today!
Thank you, Cindy. We appreciate you reading.