Even Without 'Best Stuff,' Grayson Saunier Thrived Again For Ole Miss on Sunday
Grayson Saunier was the first to admit that he didn't have his "best stuff" in Sunday's 6-5 win over Morehead State, but that didn't stop him from producing another strong outing.
The Ole Miss Rebels rode Saunier's five scoreless innings to their first weekend sweep of the season on Sunday, and it could not have come at a better time with SEC play looming on the horizon next week.
The sophomore allowed three hits and struck out three men in his weekend appearance, and even if he wasn't at his best, he has continued to show growth in the early portions of the 2024 season.
Ole Miss RHP Grayson Saunier
Ole Miss Athletics
"I feel like I could have gone a little more," Saunier said postgame. "It was good to get some other guys some innings, but I felt good. I don't think I had my best stuff today. Velo was a little down, and stuff-wise wasn't as good today. But, overall, I think I competed well and just let my defense work behind me."
Head coach Mike Bianco, a catcher during his collegiate playing days, knows what it takes for a pitcher to be successful at this level. Every day won't be the sharpest for an arm on the mound, but it boils down to competitiveness and securing outs, something that Saunier was able to do on Sunday afternoon.
"Certainly not his best stuff today, and that happens with pitchers," Bianco said. "But he certainly had enough today and made pitches. It's hard to argue when you run out there and pitch five scoreless to start the game. He showed maturity today, and I thought just made pitches and, at times, made it look easy. It's not easy out there."
Ole Miss has now won six games in a row and 10 of its last 11 contests. After a midweek road trip to Monroe, Louisiana, this week, the Rebels will return home to open SEC play against the South Carolina Gamecocks next weekend.
After this recent run of success, Saunier says he is in a good place mentally, and he believes his team is as well.
"Confidence is great," Saunier said. "I like where we are as a team. I think we look really good--swinging it well and pitching it pretty well. Just proud of our guys and the way we've been playing the last couple weeks."