News Summary
Ole Miss baseball kept their postseason hopes alive with an 8-6 win over Western Kentucky in an elimination game, showcasing their power-hitting with a record six home runs. Key players contributed significantly, while ace pitcher Hunter Elliott delivered a strong performance, leading the team to advance in the playoffs. With a record-setting season, fans are eager to follow Ole Miss as they seek a spot in the regional final.
Oxford, MS – Ole Miss baseball kept their postseason hopes alive with an 8-6 victory over Western Kentucky in an elimination game on May 31, 2025, during the Oxford Regional. The win improved the Rebels’ overall record to 41-20 and showcased their power-hitting capabilities as they recorded a program record six home runs in a single game.
The match was held at Swayze Field, where Ole Miss, designated as the away team, staged a remarkable comeback against Western Kentucky. The Rebels’ ability to hit home runs was instrumental in their victory, as they eclipsed the previous single-season program record for home runs set by the 2022 national championship team.
In this record-setting game, key contributions came from players Mitch Sanford, Judd Utermark, and Austin Fawley, each hitting two home runs. This performance marked Ole Miss’s fourth game this season in which they hit four or more home runs, demonstrating their explosive offensive output.
Hunter Elliott, the team’s ace pitcher, played a crucial role in the game. He threw six innings, allowing eight hits while remaining poised under pressure. Elliott’s performance was recognized by fans, who gave him a standing ovation as he exited the mound with bases loaded and WKU runners on base in the sixth inning after throwing an impressive 115 pitches.
Following the victory, Sanford highlighted the team’s successful offensive strategy, which allowed them to execute their plan effectively against the Western Kentucky pitching staff. With this win, Ole Miss advanced to face the loser of the Georgia Tech vs. Murray State matchup on June 1 at 2 p.m. A victory in that game would set the Rebels up for a potential matchup at 5 p.m. later the same day, providing an opportunity to compete for a spot in the regional final on June 2.
The atmosphere at Swayze Field during the game was electric, with many fans coming out to support the team. The Rebels have had a standout season, with three players hitting 15 or more home runs for the first time in the program’s history. These players include Austin Fawley with 17 home runs, Judd Utermark with 16, and Mitchell Sanford with 15. Additionally, six different Rebels achieved double-digit home runs, marking another first in the program’s history. Notable mentions include Ryan Moerman and Isaac Humphrey, both having hit 11 home runs this season.
This win was particularly critical for Ole Miss, coming on the heels of a previous loss to Murray State, thereby intensifying the pressure on the team to perform in this elimination scenario.
Fans and followers of the Rebels can catch the upcoming games live on ESPN+, ensuring that the thrilling postseason action can be followed closely as Ole Miss strives to continue their journey through the regional playoffs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Tech Dominates in Oxford Regional of NCAA Baseball Tournament
Hunter Elliott Leads Ole Miss to Crucial Victory
Ole Miss Baseball Advances with Victory Over Western Kentucky
Ole Miss Rebels Fall to Murray State in Regional Opener
Ole Miss Rebels Suffer Setback Against Murray State
Georgia Tech Baseball Eyes College World Series in Oxford Regional
NCAA Baseball Regional Tournament Kicks Off in Oxford
Murray State Stuns Ole Miss in NCAA Regional Opener
Ole Miss Baseball Falls to Murray State in Regional Opener
Ole Miss Football Announces Kickoff Times for Upcoming Season
Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Baseball
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Search: Ole Miss baseball
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss Rebels
- Red Cup Rebellion
- Google News: Ole Miss baseball 2025
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
