Mississippi’s Chris Ellis releases a pitch during an NCAA college baseball game against Georgia State in Oxford, Miss., Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. Ellis pitched a complete game shutout. (DM Photo/Alex Edwards)
The No. 13 Ole Miss baseball team will travel to Starkville today for a weekend series against rival Mississippi State. Friday’s game will be the first matchup of the season between the Rebels (27-8, 7-5 SEC) and the Bulldogs (21-13, 6-6 SEC).
Starkville always produces a tough playing environment for visiting teams, especially when the Rebels come to town.
Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said the team is preparing for one of the more hostile SEC environments of the season.
“It’s exciting for (the players),” Bianco said Wednesday night. “That’s why they come to play (at Ole Miss) and play in the SEC. You want to play in those types of atmospheres. I think the guys are excited for it.”
Ole Miss junior right-hander Chris Ellis will get the nod for the Rebels Friday night. Ellis is 4-0 on the year with a 1.88 ERA. The Bulldogs’ starter will be junior lefty Ross Mitchell, who holds a 5-2 record with a 1.52 ERA.
Redshirt sophomore lefty Christian Trent (4-0, 2.41 ERA) will take the hill for the Rebels Saturday, while Mississippi State will start junior right-hander Trevor Fitts (2-2, 3.41 ERA).
Ole Miss right-handed pitcher junior Sam Smith (4-2, 2.22 ERA) will start the series finale. Mississippi State’s Sunday starter has not yet been determined.
First pitch Friday will be at 6:30 p.m., Saturday’s at 3 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1:30 p.m.
— Adam Ganucheau
thedmsports@gmail.com
