Senior relief pitcher Scott Weathersby throws to home during a game this season. COURTESY: GANNETT-CDN.COM
A strong offensive showing led the Ole Miss baseball team to a win against rival Mississippi State in the Governor’s Cup by a score of 11-1. It was the Rebel’s first win in the Governor’s Cup since 2012 and their second in the last five years.
The Rebels got to Mississippi State senior pitcher Ross Mitchell early as they scored two runs early on a one-out, two RBI double to the left field gap by sophomore third baseman Colby Bortles. Bortles continues to swing a hot bat down the stretch and play a large role in the recent success of this team.
Senior relief pitcher Scott Weathersby took the mound in his first career start for Ole Miss Tuesday. Weathersby came into the game with a 2-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and allowing just eight runs on eight hits in 13 relief appearances this season. Weathersby did not miss a beat in his first appearance as a starter and was strong on the night, going seven innings without allowing a run and scattering six hits on just one walk and three strikeouts. Weathersby earned the win in his first start and his third on the season.
The Rebels took control of the game after a five-run fifth inning that saw Mitchell exit the game after the Rebels got runners on the corners with no outs. After a wild pitch and four more singles including a two RBI single from junior outfielder Connor Cloyd, the Rebels scored five runs and quickly took a 7-0 after three innings. Cloyd recorded four RBI’s on the night as well as his seventh straight multi-hit game and has become the catalyst offensively for Ole Miss.
Ole Miss continued their offensive production in the sixth as they plated four runs and forced Mississippi State to use three pitchers in the inning. Senior catcher Austin Knight got the scoring started with an RBI double that scored senior first baseman Sikes Orvis. The Rebels added two more runs on another two RBI single by Cloyd. The Rebels went on to take an 11-0 lead after six innings.
Senior right-hander Sam Smith came on in relief of Weathersby in the eighth and allowed one run in two innings as the Rebels went on to win by a score of 11-1. It was the largest margin of victory in the Governor’s Cup since 2001 when Mississippi State won a 15-6 decision.
With the win the Rebels improved to 24-22 on the year and one more game above .500, as they continue to fight for post season eligibility.
Ole Miss returns to action on Friday as they travel to Columbia to take on the 21st ranked Missouri Tigers in a weekend series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
