Intrasquad Takeaways: Initial Impressions of Ole Miss Baseball
OXFORD, Miss. – With one week until opening day, Mike Bianco’s Rebels took the field Friday for an intrasquad game, featuring familiar faces like Hunter Elliott, Riley Maddox, and Luke Hill, along with transfers Mitchell Sanford, Isaac Humphrey, Austin Fawley, and more. After looking through our notes, here’s what we took away from Swayze Field this afternoon.
On the Bump
Hunter Elliott threw for the red team with Campbell Smithwick catching, appearing far more comfortable behind the dish. Despite missing two seasons due to an elbow injury, Elliott was effective today, sitting his fastball from 88-90 mph with a heavy slider and changeup mix. For Elliott, commanding the strike zone and playing through adversity will be key for the Ole Miss defense.
Riley Maddox suited up for the blue team, featuring a fastball that topped out at 92 mph along with several breaking pitches that sat around 78-80 mph. Similar to what we saw last season, Maddox is at his best when he attacks the zone, pitches to contact, and creates outs. It will be crucial for Maddox to maintain his approach come next weekend in Arlington.
In the field, freshman Owen Paino was at shortstop, Luke Hill at third base, Isaac Humphrey in center field, and Brayden Randle at second base, just to name a few.
At the Plate
There were quite a few Rebels who took advantage of their opportunities today, starting with Brayden Randle, who smoked a solo home run into right field off of Riley Maddox. On the opposite side of the dugout, Kentucky transfer Austin Fawley took Hunter Elliott deep for a three-run shot.
A bomb from @fawley_austin !!
This one left the bat at 106 and travelled 412 ft! pic.twitter.com/6LXCvfK0GO
— Ole Miss BSB Analytics (@OMBSBAnalytics) February 7, 2025
Mitchell Sanford also impressed in a multi-pitch battle with Elliott, which resulted in a line shot into right field for a single. Ryan Moerman and Judd Utermark were other players who made hard contact today in competitive at-bats.
What’s Next?
Ole Miss will host Baseball Media Day on Tuesday, February 11th, where The Rebel Walk will be in attendance and provide all the content you need. The first game of the season will take place next Friday against Arizona in Arlington, Texas.
Hotty Toddy and go Rebs!
