Former Rebel Pitcher Ryan Rolison Strikes Out Shohei Ohtani, Earns Win in Relief for Cubs

Former Ole Miss standout Ryan Rolison delivered a moment to remember on the mound, striking out one of baseball’s biggest stars and turning in a clutch relief performance to help lift the Chicago Cubs to a 6-4 win Friday night over the Dodgers.

Rolison, now pitching in the Cubs organization, came on in relief and worked three strong innings, ultimately earning the victory. Along the way, he recorded a marquee highlight — punching out Shohei Ohtani in a matchup that quickly grabbed attention.

“It was just a great team win,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after the game.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell on Ryan Rolison

The left-hander showed poise and command throughout his outing, settling in after entering the game and giving the Cubs exactly what they needed out of the bullpen. Over his three innings of work, Rolison kept hitters off balance, mixing his pitches effectively while limiting damage and maintaining control of the game. His final line was: 3 innings pitched, 0 runs on 2 hits, 1 strikeout and 0 walks.

But it was the strikeout of Ohtani that stood out most.

Ryan Rolison tossed three innings of scoreless relief — including this strikeout of Shohei Ohtani — as the Cubs won their 10th straight. #GoSpo pic.twitter.com/gEi1NtkZ5I

— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) April 25, 2026

Facing one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, Rolison attacked the zone with confidence and executed his pitch sequence, finishing the at-bat with a strikeout that underscored both his stuff and his mentality. It’s the kind of moment that resonates — not just because of the name in the batter’s box, but because of what it says about Rolison’s ability to compete at the highest level.

The outing also marked a significant step for Rolison, who has continued to work his way back and establish himself as a reliable option on the mound. Logging three innings in relief while picking up the win highlights both his durability and his value in a bullpen role capable of bridging multiple frames.

For Ole Miss fans, it’s another reminder of the talent the program has sent to professional baseball — and the kind of moments those players are capable of producing. On a night filled with strong pitching and timely execution, Rolison’s performance stood out. Three innings, a win, and a strikeout of Shohei Ohtani — not a bad way to make an impact.