News Summary
Murray State achieved a historic upset by defeating Ole Miss 12-11, marking the first NCAA regional victory for the Racers. After trailing 12-3, Murray State made a stunning comeback in late innings, scoring eight unanswered runs to capture the win. The game was highlighted by Luke Mistone’s impressive 4-for-5 performance. This victory allows Murray State to advance to the Super Regionals, setting the stage for a matchup against Duke, and underscores the unpredictable nature of college baseball.
Oxford, MS – In an exciting conclusion to the Oxford Regional, Murray State pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Ole Miss 12-11 on June 2, 2025, and securing a spot in the Super Regionals. This victory marks a significant milestone for Murray State, as it represents the first time the team has won an NCAA regional game.
The game, held at Swayze Field, was a winner-take-all matchup, with Murray State looking to avenge a previous 19-8 loss to Ole Miss earlier in the regional tournament. The contest began with Ole Miss quickly establishing a 12-3 lead, but a remarkable rally from Murray State in the late innings changed the course of the game.
Heading into the seventh inning, with the Rebels firmly in control, Murray State mounted an impressive comeback, scoring eight unanswered runs that brought them within a single run of the lead. The seventh and eighth innings saw the Racers capitalize on Ole Miss’s fielding errors, ultimately leading to the 12-11 result.
Offensive Highlights
Murray State’s offense proved to be consistent throughout the game, racking up a total of 19 hits, although they did not hit any home runs. This showcases their ability to apply pressure using strategic base hits and effective base running. Key to the team’s success was Luke Mistone, who shone particularly bright with a performance that included going 4-for-5 at the plate and driving in two runs. Overall, Murray State’s disciplined approach at the plate was critical to their offensive output.
In contrast, Ole Miss secured a total of 10 hits but struggled defensively, committing two errors that played a crucial role in the team’s inability to maintain their lead. Errors in fielding proved costly, as the Rebels allowed Murray State to capitalize on critical moments, particularly during the late innings when the game was still within reach.
Key Contributions and Performance
For Ole Miss, Gunnar Dennis pitched as the starting player and Ryne Rodriguez previously made a strong impression in a relief role through earlier games in the regional. Despite their strong showing in previous matchups against Georgia Tech and a victory over Murray State, the team could not hold off the determined Racers in this do-or-die scenario.
Murray State’s Historic Achievement
This victory is not only pivotal for Murray State but also exemplifies a growing trend in NCAA baseball, as they became the 10th four-seed in NCAA history to win a regional. Their triumph in Oxford sets the stage for a remarkable journey ahead as they will now face Duke in the upcoming Super Regionals.
Looking Ahead
Murray State’s performance in this elimination game highlights the unpredictable nature of college baseball and the potential for any team to rise to the occasion. As they prepare for the next round against Duke, Murray State will look to build on this momentum and continue their historic playoff run.
The implications of this upset will undoubtedly resonate throughout the college baseball landscape, as Murray State has now carved out a place for themselves among the tournament’s strong contenders.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: College baseball
- Ole Miss Sports
- Google Search: Ole Miss Baseball 2025
- Clarion Ledger
- Google Scholar: NCAA baseball upsets
- Murray State Racers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA baseball
- On3 Sports
- Google News: Murray State Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
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