The Ole Miss Rebels managed to secure a win in their weekend series against the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats, with a 9-3 victory on Sunday afternoon. Despite losing the series overall after Kentucky’s wins on Friday (4-3) and Saturday (7-5), the Rebels showcased their resilience and offensive prowess in the final game.
The Wildcats started strong with two quick runs in the top of the first inning. However, Ole Miss responded with a decisive seven-run frame in the bottom of the second inning, overwhelming three different Kentucky pitchers. The Rebels maintained control of the game, allowing only one more run from Kentucky in the final five innings.
Izzy Harrison suffered the loss, falling to 1-4 on the season, while Catelyn Riley of Ole Miss pitched a complete game to claim the win, improving her season record to 4-3.
Kentucky will face Bellarmine on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET, with the game streamed for free on YouTube through Bellarmine University. The Wildcats now hold a 24-10-1 record for the year and sit at 7-5 in Southeastern Conference play. Meanwhile, the Rebels stand at 22-18 and 3-9 in the SEC.
Key Play: A go-ahead three-run home run for the Rebels in the bottom of the second inning shifted the momentum, transforming a 2-0 Kentucky lead into a 3-2 advantage for Ole Miss.
Key Player: Taylor Hess proved to be the key player for Kentucky, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing only two runs on five hits, with a walk and a strikeout. Hess set a new career-high with her performance and recorded her first two career strikeouts.
Key Stat: The Kentucky Wildcats displayed their defensive prowess throughout the series, not committing a single defensive error against Ole Miss.
Although the Ole Miss Rebels were unable to clinch the series, their victory in the final game showcased their determination and skill, providing a strong finish to the weekend.
