Rebels Drop Home Opener vs. Arkansas State: Three Takeaways
The Ole Miss Rebels lost their third straight game on Wednesday night as the Arkansas State Red Wolves came to Swayze Field and won 4-2. It was a rough night as the Rebs got out-hit 10-5 and went 1-for-13 with men on base.
Here are three takeaways from Wednesday's action.
© Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Red Wolves Came to Play
Arkansas State is hot right now. The Red Wolves have started the season 5-0 with the win over Ole Miss, and they had timely hitting, scoring on a fielder's choice in the first that looked like a routine double-play ball. They also homered in the second, plus a sac fly and single in the fourth to score their four runs. ASU also played some timely defense in the late innings to close out the ballgame.
Missing the Big Hit...Again
The Rebels only collected five hits on Wednesday and grounded into three double plays. Ole Miss hitters were doing well at having good at-bats, and a couple of balls were hit hard but right at Red Wolves infielders.
Jackson Ross singled in the fifth to score the Rebels' first run of the game, and then Judd Utermark hit a homer to left-center in the eighth to make it 4-2. Rebels need to focus on having quality at-bats and working counts to try and put pressure on opposing pitchers. Being selective with their swings will also be crucial, as a couple of big at-bats ended in weak popups.
Still Early, but the Rebels need Confidence
A couple of teams dropped mid-week games this week. Top-ranked Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State all lost games on Tuesday, so it's not time to hit the panic button after a midweek loss.
On the other hand, something needs to happen to give the Rebels some confidence. The last thing that this team can afford to happen is to head into conference play lacking any confidence in their potential. Mike Bianco and the Rebels do have a chance to turn the tide, however, with a home series against High Point this weekend.