Ole Miss baseball defeated LSU 6-3 Friday at Swayze Field, taking the first game of their Southeastern Conference series. A three-run eighth inning proved decisive for the Rebels, who were tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth.
With no outs, Tristan Bissetta singled, and Judd Utermark reached on a fielder’s choice. Will Furniss loaded the bases with a single, setting the stage for Hayden Federico, who singled to right field, scoring Bissetta to put Ole Miss ahead. Brett Moseley then bunt Utermark home, extending the lead to 5-3. Brayden Randle’s sacrifice fly scored Furniss for the final margin.
Walker Hooks finished for Ole Miss, retiring LSU in order in the ninth to seal the win. Hooks entered the game in the seventh after starter Hunter Elliott pitched six solid innings. Elliott allowed two runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and one walk.
Ole Miss improved to 24-11 overall and 6-7 in the SEC. LSU, also at 6-7 in conference, fell to 22-13 overall. Both teams recorded nine hits each. Mason Braun led LSU with three hits, while Furniss, Federico, Bissetta, and Utermark each had two for the Rebels.
The second game of the series is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Swayze Field, with Ole Miss aiming to extend their winning streak. The Rebels’ next games include road matchups against Tennessee and Arkansas, and home games against Georgia and Texas A&M.
