News Summary
The Ole Miss softball team, ranked No. 17, claimed a 6-4 victory against No. 18 Mississippi State in the final game of their weekend series at Nusz Park. The Rebels improved their record to 35-16, showcasing strong performances including Miali Guachino’s four scoreless innings and key home runs from Mackenzie Pickens and Aliyah Binford. Despite a close game, Ole Miss maintained their lead and is now gearing up for the SEC Tournament in Athens, Georgia.
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss softball team, ranked No. 17 in the nation, secured a 6-4 victory against No. 18 Mississippi State in game three of their weekend series on Saturday evening at Nusz Park. This win enhances Ole Miss’s overall record to 35 wins and 16 losses, including a conference record of 11-13 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Conversely, Mississippi State’s record now stands at 37-16 overall, with a conference record of 13-11.
In a standout performance, Miali Guachino garnered the win for Ole Miss after pitching four scoreless innings. During her stint on the mound, she allowed just two hits and recorded one strikeout, effectively neutralizing the Bulldogs’ offense. Ole Miss had strong contributions at the plate, with players Mackenzie Pickens and Aliyah Binford each hitting home runs to propel their team to victory.
The game began with Mississippi State taking an early lead, thanks to a leadoff home run as part of a two-run inning. However, Ole Miss responded in the second inning. Pickens started the Rebel rally with a walk, leading to a series of key plays including Ashton Lansdell’s successful bunt single and Angelina DeLeon’s hit-by-pitch that loaded the bases. Taylor Malvin then brought in the Rebels’ first run with a sacrifice fly, reducing the Bulldogs’ lead to 2-1. Lair Beautae followed suit, tying the game with another sacrifice fly.
In a decisive third inning, Lexie Brady’s double set the stage for Pickens, who hit a two-run home run that lifted Ole Miss ahead at 4-2. The Rebels continued to build momentum in the fourth inning when Beautae singled, and Binford blasted her second home run of the weekend, extending the Ole Miss lead to 6-2.
Despite Ole Miss’s strong performance, Mississippi State managed to close the gap with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, bringing the score to 6-4. Guachino remained in control on the mound, culminating the game with a crucial defensive play where a line drive out led to a double play, preserving the win for Ole Miss.
This victory signifies Ole Miss’s successful regular-season finale under head coach Jamie Trachsel, who now leads the team to a 4-1 record in such matchups against ranked opponents. The Rebels are now preparing for the SEC Tournament, which is scheduled to take place from May 6 to May 10 in Athens, Georgia.
Noteworthy statistics from the game include Jamie Mackay and Lexie Brady also contributing with doubles, while both Binford and Pickens notched two RBIs each. On the Bulldogs’ side, Sierra Sacco managed an infield single in the final inning, but Guachino’s defensive effort solidified the victory for the Rebels.
In related news, Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts announced the addition of two new players to the Bulldogs’ roster, with catcher Desiree Rivera transferring from Iowa and outfielder Tatum Silva from Utah State.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State
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- Wikipedia: Ole Miss Rebels softball
- Google Search: Mississippi State softball
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: softball
- Google News: Mississippi State softball
