News Summary
A highly anticipated SEC doubleheader featuring the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels against the Mississippi State Bulldogs is set for May 9 in Starkville, Mississippi. The first game, starting at 4 p.m. CT, will showcase Ole Miss pitcher Hunter Elliott against Mississippi State’s Pico Kohn. Current records show Ole Miss at 34-16 and Mississippi State at 30-20. Both teams are navigating injuries but come into this fierce rivalry with strong performances from key players.
Starkville, Mississippi – Due to inclement weather, the No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) doubleheader on Friday, May 9. The first game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. CT, with the second game set to follow 40 minutes after the conclusion of the first. This three-game series is a fierce rivalry between the two prominent Magnolia State schools.
Both games will be broadcast on SEC Network+, with game one featuring commentators Derek Jones for play-by-play and Lance Cormier as the analyst. Game two will also air on SEC Network, delivering the action to fans and viewers alike.
Projected Pitching Matchups
In game one of the doubleheader, Ole Miss will send left-handed pitcher Hunter Elliott, who holds a record of 6-3 with a 3.71 ERA, to the mound. He will face off against Mississippi State’s left-handed pitcher Pico Kohn, boasting a 5-2 record and a 3.90 ERA. As both teams prepare, the matchup presents an exciting opportunity for fans to witness top-tier college baseball.
Current Team Records
As of now, the Ole Miss Rebels hold an overall record of 34-16, with a strong SEC play record of 14-12. Meanwhile, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are currently at 30-20 overall and 11-15 in SEC games. The Bulldogs are coming off an impressive sweep against Kentucky, where they outscored their opponents 26-10 across three games.
Recent Series History
Looking back at the previous encounters, Ole Miss won last year’s series held in Oxford amidst a dramatic three-game set that included a shutout loss for Ole Miss, a thrilling 12-inning win, and a decisive run-rule victory in the rubber match. Additionally, during the 2024 season, Mississippi State eliminated Ole Miss from the SEC Tournament following a hard-fought game in the Governor’s Cup. These historical matchups underline the rivalry and competitiveness that fans expect from the upcoming games.
Player Performances
This season, Ole Miss has seen remarkable performances from players like Austin Fawley, who has hit 16 home runs, marking the highest for catchers during the Mike Bianco Era. He leads the team with an OPS of 1.100 and a slugging percentage of .696, hitting .315 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs during SEC play. However, the Rebels will not have the services of injured pitchers Brayden Randle and Brayden Jones, which may impact their pitching depth during the series.
On the opposing side, Mississippi State is also dealing with injuries, with key players such as pitcher Charlie Foster and catcher Jackson Owen unavailable for the games against Ole Miss. Their absence may challenge the Bulldogs as they aim to bolster their performance in the series.
Looking Ahead
Following the doubleheader on May 9, the teams are set to reconvene for game three on May 10. The expected pitching matchup for game two on May 9 will feature Riley Maddox for Ole Miss against Evan Siary from Mississippi State. After this SEC series, Ole Miss will take on UT Martin and then a matchup against Auburn in their upcoming schedule, as the season continues to unfold.
This SEC doubleheader not only holds significant implications in terms of conference standings but also adds another chapter to a storied rivalry, making for an exciting weekend of college baseball in Starkville.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss vs Mississippi State Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- OleMissSports: No. 24 Baseball Clashes with Mississippi State
- Google Search: Ole Miss baseball
- HailState: Baseball Shifts Schedule to Friday Doubleheader
- Google Scholar: college baseball Ole Miss
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Baseball Takes Game 1 Over Mississippi State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Red Cup Rebellion: Egg Bowl Kickoff Time 2025
- Google News: Mississippi State baseball
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.
