Ole Miss Baseball Dominates Clemson to Cap Off a Successful Weekend in Texas

The Ole Miss Rebels wrapped up an impressive weekend in Texas with a commanding 15-5 run-rule victory over No. 15 Clemson on Sunday. The win marked the Rebels' second triumph over a ranked opponent early in the season, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess and solid pitching depth.

Offensive Firepower from the Start

The Rebel bats were hot right out of the gate, setting the tone with a three-run first inning. Freshman Hayden Federico made an immediate impact, recording his first collegiate hit in his debut at-bat. After Federico's single, Luke Hill drew a walk, setting the stage for Ethan Moerman to blast a three-run home run into the left-field stands. Moerman's homer, his first as a Rebel, gave Ole Miss an early 3-0 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued into the second inning when the Rebels tacked on four more runs. Federico contributed with an RBI groundout, followed by an RBI triple from Hill. The highlight of the inning came from Judd Utermark, who launched a towering two-run homer that traveled 450 feet, landing in the back row of the second deck in left field. By the end of the second inning, Ole Miss held a commanding 7-0 lead.

Clemson Attempts a Comeback

The Tigers managed to cut into the lead with two runs in the third inning, reducing the gap to 7-2. However, Ole Miss quickly responded in the fourth. Hill delivered a three-run home run to the opposite field, driving in Federico and Luke Cheng. The blast extended the Rebel lead to 10-2 and stifled any momentum Clemson had gained.

Clemson responded again in the bottom of the fourth with two more runs, prompting a call to the bullpen. Enter Will McCausland, who made his Rebel debut with poise and effectiveness. The transfer from Saint Joseph's University retired the first seven batters he faced, helping Ole Miss maintain their eight-run cushion.

Hill Shines with Multi-Home Run Game

Luke Hill continued his offensive showcase with a solo home run in the sixth inning. His second homer of the day traveled 397 feet to left field, marking the first multi-home run performance of his career. Hill finished the game 3-for-5 with five RBIs and four runs scored, cementing his status as a key player to watch this season.

McCausland's Breakout Performance

While the bats provided plenty of run support, McCausland quietly turned in an impressive performance on the mound. In his first career relief appearance, he pitched 3.2 innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight. His ability to work through Clemson's lineup with efficiency and confidence suggests he could be a critical asset in the Rebels' bullpen moving forward.

Sealing the Victory

Ole Miss added four more runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Federico down the right-field line. The Rebels' offensive surge created the opportunity for a run-rule win, which McCausland secured by striking out three more Tigers in the bottom of the inning.

The 15-5 victory not only gave Ole Miss their second ranked win of the weekend but also demonstrated their potential as a well-rounded, resilient team with a deep lineup and capable pitching staff.

Looking Ahead

Following their successful weekend in Texas, the Rebels will return to Oxford for a long homestand, beginning with a matchup against Arkansas State at Swayze Field on Tuesday. The team hopes to carry their offensive momentum and pitching success into their home opener.

With standout performances from newcomers like Hill and Federico, along with McCausland's dominant relief outing, Ole Miss fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the season ahead.