Ole Miss is gearing up for the opening contest of the Auburn Super Regional, a best‑of‑three showdown that could determine the Rebels’ path to the College World Series. Coach Mike Bianco announced that right‑hander Hunter Elliott will take the mound for Game 1, handing the ball to a pitcher who has become a cornerstone of the program.
Elliott arrives with a 5‑3 record and a 5.21 earned‑run average, the highest among Ole Miss’ three primary starters, but his recent stretch has been even more challenging, posting an 8.37 ERA over his last five outings while surrendering 22 runs in 23.3 innings. Despite the numbers, the senior is regarded as the team’s most experienced leader, having pitched the title‑clinching game in the 2022 College World Series and remaining the sole current roster member from that championship squad.
Auburn will counter with sophomore left‑hander Andreas Alvarez, who brings a 10‑3 record and a 3.52 ERA to the table. Alvarez’s steady performance has made him one of the most reliable arms in the SEC, setting the stage for a classic pitcher’s duel.
A tradition and a new plan
Off the field, Elliott will observe a long‑standing ritual, enjoying a medium‑rare steak dinner the night before the game, a nod to the team’s pre‑game customs. Meanwhile, the Rebels have identified Taylor Rabe and Cade Townsend as the leading candidates to start Games 2 and, potentially, a decisive Game 3. Townsend, a projected first‑round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, is known for his five‑pitch mix, while Rabe has recently limited opponents to a single earned run over his last 12 innings.
The stakes extend beyond a single series; Ole Miss is chasing its first super regional victory since 2022, a year that also marked the program’s most recent national championship. A win would not only advance the Rebels but also reinforce the belief that this cohort can translate past success into a new era of dominance.