Elliott Dominates as Ole Miss Tops Florida 3-1 to Reach SEC Quarterfinals

HOOVER, Ala. — Behind a strong start from Hunter Elliott and a fourth inning offensive surge, the No. 7-seed Ole Miss Rebels outlast the No. 10-seed Florida Gators 3-1 and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament.

Hotty Toddy! 💪

No. 7 @OleMissBSB pushes past Florida to reach the Quarters!#SECBSB x #SECTourney pic.twitter.com/2azgkB6ty8

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) May 22, 2025

Following the win, head coach Mike Bianco said it was a well played game all around by both teams in the second round matchup.

“We pitched the crap out of it, but then you look at the box score and see that we both punched out 11; though we only walked one. We were able to put a few hits together — it was a really well played game and I am glad Hunter Elliott is on our team.”

~ Bianco after the win

Game Recap

Two aces are normally do not duel on the mound on a Wednesday night, but it’s that time of year in college baseball. It was southpaw Hunter Elliott for Ole Miss and righty Liam Peterson for Florida going back-and-forth for three innings before the bats came alive during the nightcap in Hoover.

Second baseman Judd Utermark collected the first hit off of Peterson in the bottom of the second, but it wasn’t until the bottom of the fourth when the Rebels would break through. With two outs, it was Utermark again with a double that bounced off the left field wall, his second hit of the day. Following him up was Isaac Humphrey with another double into the left-center field gap to plate the first run of game.

Back-to-back doubles and the Rebs are in business! pic.twitter.com/WqVywWD707

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 22, 2025

After the win, Utermark claimed that he does not pay attention to RPI rankings but would love for the Rebels to have the chance to host a regional at Swayze Field.

“I’ve never got to taste postseason baseball other than the one game last year here in Hoover, that I like to erase from my memory. I am super excited about this squad and our future, but we are going to be where our feet are and try to win this thing in Hoover.”

~ Utermark on Ole Miss possibly hosting a NCAAT regional

Ryan Moerman decided to keep the inning alive with a hot shot to third that was too much to handle for the Florida third baseman; the error put runners on the corners for Campbelll Smithwick. The Rebel designated hitter plated the second run with a single through the right side, while an error on the throw back in allowed Moerman to scramble home and make it a 3-0 Ole Miss lead.

Soup extends the lead to three!@campbellrsoup x #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/4u8f9aqNyY

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 22, 2025

Peterson was replaced by Luke McNeillie in the following frame after walking the leadoff man for the Rebels. On the opposite side, Elliott no-hit the Gators through the first three innings of play before Ty Evans singled in the top of the fourth to break it up.

4 punchouts through three innings for @elliotthunter10! pic.twitter.com/G1bDAGRxI4

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 22, 2025

Elliott gave up a leadoff double to Ashton Wilson in the top of the fifth, and following it was a fielder’s choice to short that advanced Wilson to third. Attempting to throw Wilson out at third on the play, Ole Miss shortstop Brayden Randle committed a throwing error that allowed the Gators to plate their first run and make it a 3-1 game.

The southpaw returned to the mound at the start of the sixth for the Rebels and recorded the first out, however, Elliott hit the next Florida batter and Mason Morris was called out of the bullpen to replace him. Morris threw just one pitch in the frame which resulted in a double play to retire the side. Elliott was credited with the win (9-3), finishing with 5.1 innings of work, two hits, one earned run, one walk, and eight punch outs.

Fire us up @elliotthunter10! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3Edp3ucL4n

— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) May 22, 2025

Elliott has made a name for himself in big games through the years as an Ole Miss starter, showing up time and time again when the Rebels needed him most. After the game, the starter spoke about his competitive nature.

“The juices were definitely flowing, it was a great crowd tonight, and it is always good to pitch when the games really matter.”

~ Elliott on his competitiveness

McNeillie retired six-straight Rebel batters before giving up the first hit of his outing. The Florida reliever gave up a single to the leadoff man in the bottom of the seventh and was immediately replaced by Jake Clemente. The Ole Miss lineup recorded just one hit off of Clemente for the remainder of the night.

Morris cruised through the next two frames for the Rebels, stranding runners in both his trips out to the mound. The ball was then handed to senior Connor Spencer in the top of the ninth with three outs standing in the way of a trip to the quarterfinals. The Rebel closer sat the Gators down in order and recorded his fifth save of the season in the 3-1 victory.

Up next

The Rebels will have the day off as they are set to return to Hoover Met Complex on Friday, May 23. Ole Miss will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at approximately 3 p.m. CT. All games during the tournament will be televised on the SEC Network.