Ian Sparks
Ole Miss won its third game in a row on Wednesday, March 6, when they hosted the Memphis Tigers .
The Rebels overcame an early 2-0 deficit in the first inning and ultimately outscored the Tigers 5-3. In the process, Ole Miss got its seventh home win of the year, improving to 7-3 at Swayze and 9-5 overall after a rocky start to the season.
Pitcher Riley Maddox got the starting nod on Wednesday, further cementing his role on the Rebels’ stacked pitching staff. Having begun the season as the Sunday starter, he is finding his balance after a shaky first few outings.
His outstanding skill set was on full display against the Tigers. After getting tagged for two runs in the first inning, Maddox pitched well in the next four innings to get back on track. He allowed two runs on three hits in the first inning, but he only allowed three hits over four innings, with six punchouts in that time.
Ole Miss’ offense upped the intensity in the third inning, with both outfielder Ethan Groff and infielder Ethan Lege hitting home runs. Groff’s solo shot knotted the game up at 2-2 after infielder Reagan Burford hit another solo shot.
Lege’s blast stayed fair just long enough to get out of the park. His two-run shot plated himself and infielder Jackson Ross, who would later have an RBI double in the sixth inning.
Right-handed pitcher Connor Spencer worked around a leadoff single to strike out the side in the ninth inning and earned his second save of the year.
Notable performance(s): Riley Maddox and Ethan Lege
Maddox’s final line was 5.0 innings pitched, six hits and two earned runs with the six punchouts and just one walk. After most of his sophomore season was spent recovering from a UCL tear, all eyes were on Maddox, and he put on a show in response. His last few outings have progressively gotten better, as he is becoming a key part of this team.
Lege’s monster home run to left field capped off a two-hit day for the senior outfielder. He went 2-4 with a hit-by-pitch on the night, raising his average to a whopping .357.
Shining moment: The Ethans go deep in the third inning
The third inning proved to be what pushed the Rebels over the line against Memphis, and both Ethans, Groff and Lege, were responsible for the damage. Groff’s solo shot set the stage for Lege to give the Rebels a lead they would not give up.
Up next: Morehead State (March 8-10)
In the final non-conference weekend before SEC play starts next week, the Rebels will host Morehead State out of the Ohio Valley Conference. The Eagles will roll into Oxford with a 7-5 record after dropping their midweek game to Louisville on Wednesday, March 6.
