Ole Miss closed out a dominant opening weekend Sunday afternoon, defeating Nevada 13-2 in seven innings at Swayze Field to complete a three-game sweep.
The Rebels improved to 3-0 on the young season, overpowering the Wolf Pack with timely hitting, patience at the plate, and another strong performance on the mound.
Reuter, Pacella Pace Offensive Explosion
Ole Miss wasted no time setting the tone, plating five runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back.
Collin Reuter led the charge offensively, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBI. The designated hitter recorded his third career three-hit game and added an RBI double to his afternoon. Judd Utermark delivered two doubles and drove in two runs, while Daniel Pacella launched a towering 447-foot home run as part of a two-RBI day.
The Rebels finished with nine hits but did much of their damage by drawing walks. Ole Miss worked 13 walks in Sunday’s game alone and 22 over the weekend. Hayden Federico reached base four times, drawing three walks and driving in a run. Austin Fawley added a key RBI double during a five-run fifth inning that broke the game open.
Ole Miss scored in four different innings, including a five-run first and a five-run fifth, finishing with 13 runs on nine hits.
Libbert Sharp in First Rebel Start
Left-hander Wil Libbert made his first start in an Ole Miss uniform and delivered a steady outing. Libbert worked 5.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs on four hits while striking out seven and walking only one batter OM_03. His seven strikeouts tied a career high and earned him his first win as a Rebel.
Nevada managed solo runs in the second and fourth innings, including a home run from Sean Yamaguchi, but Libbert consistently limited further damage. He struck out key hitters and worked efficiently, throwing 81 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Patrick Collopy and Landon Waters combined to close out the final two innings, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out three.
Weekend Dominance
Over the three-game series, Ole Miss pitchers combined for 35 strikeouts while surrendering just four earned runs. The Rebels also homered in each game and tallied 12 extra-base hits during the weekend.
Sunday’s contest drew an announced crowd of 8,446 at Swayze Field despite rainy, 56-degree conditions.
Up Next
Ole Miss returns to action Tuesday, Feb. 17, when it hosts Arkansas State Red Wolves baseball in a midweek matchup at Swayze Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on SECN+.
