Ole Miss falls to Missouri, 11-9, in game one after Tigers mount furious comeback
COLUMBIA – Ole Miss and Missouri began their three-game series Thursday night with each sitting at 5-16 in league play and each on the outside looking in for a berth to the 12-team SEC Tournament in Hoover. Although Ole Miss took a 9-2 lead in game one, the Tigers would mount a furious comeback to win, 11-9.
(Click here for box score.)
“It’s just really frustrating — and (I’m) not sure what to say over and over again,” head coach Mike Bianco said after the loss.
“Another tough one. It’s hard to put into words anymore. Just having a 9-2 lead with your ace on the mound with another ace in the bullpen, and to not finish it, obviously, is disappointing.”
Coach Bianco
The Rebels built an early lead mostly from the home run ball. Ole Miss slugger Kemp Alderman belted a towering 2-run home run in the fourth inning that scored Calvin Harris.
Alderman’s 19th long ball of the season measured 466 feet and had an exit velocity of 115 mph off the bat.
FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX FEET
💣 @KempAlderman pic.twitter.com/axw7ivdiQb
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 4, 2023
Also in the fourth, junior right fielder TJ McCants tacked on a three-run home run that went into in the Missouri bullpen, scoring Will Furniss and John Kramer.
TJ. BULLPEN. pic.twitter.com/8v7IuoKycg
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 4, 2023
Ole Miss added two runs in the fifth when Harris scored on an Ethan Groff sacrifice fly and Alderman made it home on a throwing error by Missouri.
Mid 5 | Groff plates Harris on a sac fly before @johnkrameriv's single-plus brings Alderman home. Rebs back up five.
Ole Miss 7, Mizzou 2 pic.twitter.com/gJuHM6EoLT
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 5, 2023
Jacob Gonzalez joined the home run party in the sixth inning with a solo shot to right center field.
The Real Deal
💣 @JakeGonzalez717 pic.twitter.com/OL0NcRf2el
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 5, 2023
Ole Miss’ final run also came in the sixth when Harris scored on a balk. In total, the Rebels had built a 9-2 lead as they headed to the bottom of the sixth.
Missouri had the last word in this game, however, scoring the final nine runs of the game, unanswered.
What might be lost in the defeat was the quality start from transfer Xavier Rivas who did not factor into the decision. The final line for Rivas was 5.1 innings pitched, four runs given up, three walks and eight strike outs.
End 5 | Lucky strikeout No. 7 for @XavierRivas33, who gets back on track with a 1-2-3 frame!
Ole Miss 7, Mizzou 2 pic.twitter.com/7c4E2srbJk
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 5, 2023
Unfortunately, the bullpen was collectively tagged with seven runs and gave up three home runs.
“We got a good effort from Xavier on a tough night to pitch with the wind gushing out to centerfield. We went to Riley because he’s our best strike-thrower… and they got good swings off.”
Coach Bianco
Next Up
The Rebels try to even the series against Missouri Friday night. Ole Miss will throw freshman JT Quinn (3-1, 5.94 ERA, 47.0 innings pitches, 51 strike outs and 27 walks). Missouri will counter with left-hander Javyn Pimental (0-0, 5.40 ERA, 11.2 innings pitched, 13 strike outs and seven walks).
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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.
