News Summary
Ole Miss baseball achieved a pivotal victory against Murray State, winning 19-8 in an elimination game, advancing to the regional championship round. After an earlier loss to the Racers, Ole Miss showcased incredible offensive strength, highlighted by a pivotal inning where they scored 8 runs. The Rebels improved their record to 43-20, while Murray State ended their season at 40-14. The next challenge for Ole Miss is a championship rematch against Murray State.
Oxford, Mississippi – Ole Miss baseball secured a significant victory against Murray State, defeating them 19-8 in an elimination game on Sunday. This win enhanced the Rebels’ season record to 43-20 and propelled them into the regional championship round.
The loss resulted in an overall record of 40-14 for Murray State, marking a tough end to their journey in the Oxford Regional. Earlier in the tournament, Ole Miss had fallen to Murray State in a previous matchup, losing 9-6, which set the stage for their subsequent compelling comeback.
The game began with Murray State taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, courtesy of an RBI single by Luke Mistone. However, the Rebels bounced back quickly in the second inning when Austin Fawley belted a two-run home run, moving Ole Miss ahead 2-1. This lead was short-lived, as Jonathan Hogart answered for Murray State with a homer of his own, pushing the score to 3-2 in favor of the Racers.
Then came a pivotal moment in the third inning, where Ole Miss exploded for eight runs. Will Furniss highlighted this inning with a two-run homer among a flurry of hits that culminated in a commanding 10-3 lead for the Rebels. The offensive barrage did not stop there; in the fourth inning, Ole Miss showcased their power by hitting back-to-back-to-back home runs. Furniss, Judd Utermark, and Isaac Humphrey each connected on consecutive pitches, extending the lead to 15-4 by the conclusion of the fourth inning.
Overall, Ole Miss demonstrated remarkable offensive strength, amassing a total of 19 runs. Notable contributions included four hits from Will Furniss and three hits each from Mitchell Sanford and Isaac Humphrey, showcasing a balanced and potent lineup.
On the mound, Rebel starter Gunnar Dennis displayed resilience, pitching four innings and allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out five batters. Ryne Rodriguez provided stellar relief, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing only one run while striking out four, while Landon Waters contributed with 1.1 innings of relief work. Head coach Mike Bianco recognized Dennis’s effort, noting it allowed other pitchers to rest as Ole Miss prepared for the next challenge.
As a result of their victory, Ole Miss is set for a championship rematch against Murray State on Monday at 5 p.m. CT. This upcoming game is particularly crucial, as Ole Miss navigated their way through an exhausting doubleheader against Georgia Tech and Murray State to make it to this final showdown, necessitating a win to remain in contention during the postseason.
This season marks Ole Miss’s return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence, and their path forward focuses on achieving a Super Regional berth. The team’s recent performance highlights their determination and ability to rebound under pressure, with eyes firmly set on advancing further in the tournament.
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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
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball Channel and Schedule
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels Baseball
- Sports Illustrated: Live Updates on Ole Miss Baseball
- Google Search: Ole Miss Baseball
- WJTV: Ole Miss Baseball Falls to Murray State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Murray State Racers: Game Announcement
- 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.
