News Summary
The Ole Miss Rebels secured an important 8-6 victory against Western Kentucky in an elimination game of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. With a standout performance featuring six home runs, including two from Judd Utermark, the Rebels advanced in the Oxford Regional. Hunter Elliott’s solid pitching and a strong offensive display ensured the Rebels remained in contention, as they now prepare for another elimination game. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Rebels in their postseason journey, showcasing their impressive power-hitting abilities.
Oxford, MS – The Ole Miss Rebels secured a crucial 8-6 victory against Western Kentucky on May 31, 2025, in an elimination game of the NCAA Baseball Tournament, allowing them to advance in the Oxford Regional. This win marks a significant step for the Rebels, who faced a do-or-die situation in their postseason bid.
In a power-packed performance, Ole Miss belted out six home runs during the contest, accounting for six of their eight total runs. Judd Utermark led the charge with a standout performance, hitting two home runs, which brought his season total to 19 long balls. The Rebels set a new single-season program record with 113 home runs in total.
Mitchell Sanford set the tone for the game right from the first at-bat, launching a solo home run for his 16th of the season to give Ole Miss the early lead. Isaac Humphrey furthered the Rebels’ lead with a single that scored Luke Hill, making it 2-0. However, the Hilltoppers quickly answered back. Kyle Hayes tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI-single in the bottom of the first inning.
After the Hilltoppers knotted the score, Ole Miss regained the lead in the second inning when Austin Fawley hit a solo home run, bringing the score to 3-2. Despite allowing a tying run shortly after, Hunter Elliott dominated on the mound, pitching six innings and yielding only one earned run from eight hits, with seven strikeouts. His efforts earned him the 10th win of the season, bringing his record to 10-3.
As the game progressed, Ole Miss built a cushion, leading 5-3 after four innings. Fawley hit another home run, and Hill contributed an RBI-single that fueled the Rebels’ advantage. In the seventh inning, Taylor Rabe took over pitching duties. Rabe became the fourth Ole Miss pitcher this season to achieve both 10 wins and 100 strikeouts, showcasing the depth of the Rebel pitching staff.
Despite three errors committed by Ole Miss, their offensive firepower held strong. Utermark, Sanford, and Fawley all contributed significantly, hitting multiple home runs, which added to the team’s momentum. The game was fierce, and in the ninth inning, Western Kentucky attempted to stage a comeback, narrowing the gap to 8-6. However, Connor Spencer came in to secure the win for Ole Miss with a save.
This victory allows Ole Miss to remain in the tournament, as they will face another elimination game scheduled for June 1 against the loser of the Murray State vs. Georgia Tech matchup at 2 p.m. CT. The Rebels are now eyeing a path through the regional round, hoping to continue their postseason journey and build on the impressive performance showcased against Western Kentucky.
As the stakes rise in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, the outcome of Sunday’s contest will be pivotal for Ole Miss, who look to harness the momentum from their latest win and capitalize on their recent power-hitting success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ole Miss Baseball Secures Victory in Elimination Game
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
Additional Resources
- Ole Miss Sports: No. 10 Baseball Blasts Six Home Runs to Eliminate Western Kentucky
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball vs. Western Kentucky Info
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Rebels Path to a Super Regional
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Baseball Tournament
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss vs. Murray State Live Updates
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.
