Three Takeaways From Rebels' Series-Opening Loss vs. High Point
The Ole Miss Rebels were looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, but that didn't happen on Friday night as they fell to the High Point Panthers 7-3 at Swayze Field.
Something is going to have to give. Ole Miss baseball was arguably the best program of the "Big Three" sports on campus the last couple of years, but now, they might be the most disappointing. Here are three takeaways from last night's action.
Ole Miss Athletics
Quinn Struggles With Command
Friday night starter JT Quinn didn't have his best stuff last night. Quinn looked solid in the opening day game against Hawaii, but last night was not a great sign for building on his first start.
Quinn walked five Panther hitters and gave up three earned runs. he could have gotten out of the first with no damage, but a throwing error by Brayden Randle while trying to turn a double play plated two High Point baserunners.
Ole Miss needs to figure something out as Quinn's 3.2 innings won't be enough come conference play. The starting pitching has to be better without a surplus of elite arms out of the bullpen.
Again, No Big Hit
Jackson Ross hit his first homer of the year last night to make the score 7-3, and freshman catcher Campbell Smithwick also collected an RBI single, but that was it.
The Rebels left nine runners on base, a trend that continues to haunt them early in the season. Bo Gatlin continues to be the Rebels' most consistent hitter, as he went 2-for-4 at the plate. Ole Miss needs to find something that can push it over the edge before they fall off the deep end and lose grasp on the season.
Can Saturday Buck the Trend?
The Rebels desperately need a get-right game. High Point came into these series after starting the season 1-4 after dropping a series to UMass Lowell and a midweek game vs. Appalachian State.
Two years removed from a national championship, Rebel fans are left scratching their heads. A win today would go a long way to giving this team more confidence.
Ole Miss plays the second game of the series at 5 p.m. CT and looks to Gunnar Dennis to give it a quality start.