Growing up is something Ole Miss Head Coach Mike Bianco has talked about in the early part of this season, and it was James McArthur’s turn in the Rebels’ 10-2 win over Southeast Missouri on Tuesday night.
Colby Bortles rounds first base on his leadoff double in the bottom of the fourth inning. (Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
The freshman right-hander went five innings, allowing two runs on six hits and did not walk anyone en route to his first career win.
“Everything was there,” McArthur said. “I think the change up worked most for me tonight, the slider was missing a little bit at the beginning, but definitely the fast ball and change up.”
After struggling in his first two starts, McArthur recorded his best outing this season.
“I think for sure his best outing of the year,” Bianco said. “He looked more like the James McArthur we saw in the fall and talked about in early spring.”
It did not come easy initially for McArthur as the Redhawks struck first with a run on a pair of two-out hits in the first, giving them an early 1-0 lead. McArthur settled in and put up three consecutive scoreless innings after that.
The bats came to life for the Rebels in the bottom half of the fourth inning as they were able to plate four runs on three hits to take a 4-1 lead.
Junior third baseman Colby Bortles led the inning off with a double to left field and later scored on a base hit by junior catcher Henri Lartigue, tying the game at one. Ole Miss took the lead when SEMO reliever Jake Busiek walked in a run to make the score 2-1, and added to its lead on a two-RBI single from Robinson making it 4-1.
“We’ve had some guys that have swung it well all year long,” Bianco said.
SEMO added one run in the fifth, but Ole Miss responded with two of its own to make it a 6-2 game after five innings.
James McArthur throws a pitch during Tuesday’s game. (Photo by: Cameron Brooks)
Brady Feigl came on in relief of McArthur and pitched two scoreless innings allowing just one hit.
“It seems like every time he comes in there he fills up the strike zone with great stuff,” Bianco said. “He’s 90 to 93 with a good breaking ball and just doesn’t give up hits.”
Ole Miss broke the game open with a three-run seventh inning highlighted by a two-run home run from pinch hitter Michael Fitzsimmons, the first of his career.
“Excited that he had a big night,” Bianco said. “He just gives you quality at-bats every time he walks up to the plate.”
Fitzsimmons, Kyle Watson, Errol Robinson and Henri Lartigue all had two hits, and nine different Rebels had hits on the night. Fitzsimmons led the way with three RBIs, and Robinson also had two RBIs of his own.
“Coach challenged us after the Louisville series,” Bortles said. We didn’t hit the ball that great that series. I think we responded well. All we’re looking to do is hit the ball hard.”
David Parkinson pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Brian Browning finished it off in the ninth for Ole Miss’ 11th win of the year.
The Rebels improved to 11-1 with the win and will face the Redhawks again tomorrow. Bianco said after the game that scheduled-starter Andrew Lowe has strep throat and Andy Pagnozzi will start in his place. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
– Brian Scott Rippee
