The Arizona State Sun Devils saw their 2026 baseball campaign conclude in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday night in Lincoln, Nebraska, as they dropped a 5‑4 decision to the University of Mississippi in ten innings.
A Pitching Duel in Lincoln
A dominant pitching staff kept the Rebels at bay for much of the contest, fanning 13 batters and limiting Ole Miss to just four runs through nine innings.
Yet the Sun Devils’ offense sputtered when it mattered most, going 2‑for‑17 with runners on base and stranding 11 baserunners, a factor that proved decisive in a game that swung on small margins.
The Replay That Changed Everything
The turning point arrived in the tenth inning when a contested replay review erased a run that would have put Arizona State ahead 4‑3, shifting momentum toward the Rebels.
Ole Miss capitalized on the shift, plating the game‑winning run on a sacrifice fly that sent the crowd into celebration.
Words from the Coaches
Head coach Willie Bloomquist, addressing the team after the final out, praised the squad’s effort and resilience, noting that the season had been defined by perseverance despite the ultimate outcome.
Pitcher Sean Fitzpatrick, who was part of the rotation, later expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the maroon and gold, reflecting on the experience of a season that exceeded many expectations.