A Marathon for the Ages
The Ole Miss Rebels survived a 14‑inning marathon on Tuesday night, edging Arizona State 7‑6 in a game that swung back and forth like a pendulum. The victory, sealed in the final frame, propels the team into a Saturday night clash with Nebraska, a matchup that could define their tournament run.
Pitching proved the backbone of the effort. Hunter Elliott and Walker Hooks combined for 10.1 innings on the mound, striking out eight batters while keeping the Sun Devils at bay. Walker Hooks turned in a career‑high 5.1 innings, allowing just two runs, and Hudson Calhoun’s 3.2‑inning relief appearance featured three strikeouts that steadied the Rebels during critical stretches.
Clutch Hitting Defines the Marathon
At the plate, Judd Utermark etched his name into Ole Miss history with his 50th career home run, the first Rebel to reach that milestone. Tristan Bissetta added a timely double, while Hayden Federico’s career‑high four hits — including a double and a single in the final inning — kept the offense humming. Will Furniss, Dom Decker and Brayden Randle each contributed two hits, fueling a rally that turned a 5‑3 lead into a 7‑6 edge.
The game’s turning points were as dramatic as they were numerous. Arizona State tied the contest at 6‑6 with a two‑run homer in the seventh, but Walker Hooks induced a double play in the tenth to halt the surge. In the 14th inning, Luke Romine and Bissetta drew walks, setting the stage for Randle’s game‑winning single to shallow right. The composure displayed by the Rebels in those moments underscored their depth and poise.
With the win secured, Ole Miss now turns its focus to Nebraska, a team waiting on the other side of the bracket. The upcoming contest promises another high‑stakes showdown, and the Rebels hope the stamina and confidence forged in this marathon will carry them forward.