Ninth inning comeback lifts MSU over Ole Miss

May 31, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels starting pitcher Hunter Elliott (26) in the dugout during the second inning against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Two home runs by the Ole Miss line-up was almost enough to log an upset over Mississippi State on Friday, but the Bulldogs scored two runs in the ninth inning to comeback in a 5-4 final. The Rebels (19-8, 3-4 SEC) opened up scoring with a solo home run from Judd Utermark in the bottom of the fourth, and Hunter Elliott was absolutely untouchable for five straight innings.

The Bulldogs (22-4, 5-2 SEC) got to Elliott in the sixth inning though scoring three runs to chase the Ole Miss ace. Austin Fawley smacked a three run shot in the bottom of the seventh to put the Rebels ahead 4-3, but the Rebels bullpen wasn’t able to keep MSU off the scoreboard in the ninth. Taylor Rabe was likely left in a bit too long first and foremost and got into immediate trouble in the ninth giving up back to back baserunners.

Then Walker Hooks came in to try and salvage a very tough spot, and the Bulldogs notched the game winning runs. Losses are always assigned to teams, but this one really sits pretty squarely on Mike Bianco’s shoulders. He was flat out-coached in this game as it seemed like every ground ball by an Ole Miss player went straight into a MSU defensive shift.

It was yet another frustrating offensive night for the Rebels, and there was little change in the line-up to give anyone in the dugout a chance to give the team a little life. Game two of the series is Saturday at 1:30 p. m.