The Warhawks (8-9) knew they would be in for one of their toughest challenges of the season as they hosted sixth-ranked Ole Miss on Wednesday night at Warhawk Field.
ULM gave them everything they wanted through seven innings, but the Rebels (18-1) pulled away late, winning by a score of 8-3.
“I was pleased with the way we began the game,” head coach Jeff Schexnaider said. “Our bats started the game off the way we needed them to.”
The home team came out swinging early, taking a 2-0 first inning lead. Ole Miss’ pitching was shaky from the first batter as Brandon Alexander drew a quick four-pitch walk. Judd Edwards followed with a long battle at the plate that concluded with a double deep into right field.
The Warhawks would capitalize with their runners in scoring position. Justin Stawychny put ULM on the board with a fielder’s choice RBI sent to the shortstop. Edwards scored from third base during the next at-bat on a passed ball.
Ole Miss made sure to not let the hometown crowd enjoy the lead for long. The Rebel Black Bears’ first two batters in the second inning reached base on a single and a double.
Ole Miss’ Sikes Orvis hit a two RBI single up the middle that tied the game at 2-2. The visitors managed two one-run scoring innings in the third and fifth, increasing their lead to 4-2.
ULM was outscored 4-1 from that point on.
“They’re a solid baseball team. We knew that coming in,” Edwards said. “We just have to play a little better as a whole. I think we’ve made some improvements in some areas, but we still have to get better going into conference play.”
Senior outfielder Chris Dudley had a notable night at the plate, going 3-4.
“Everyday you come out and do your best to try to help your team win. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t,” Dudley said. “There’s nothing another team can throw at us that we haven’t seen. We’ll be fine in conference.”
The two-game series with Ole Miss was the first time ULM has hosted an SEC opponent since a home-series with Mississippi State in 2009. The Warhawks dropped the first game against the Rebels by the score of 10-4.
“We’re fortunate to have the fans we have here in Monroe,” Shexnaider said. “They love to come out and support us, especially when we play an opponent like Ole Miss.”
ULM returns to Warhawk Field for a home-conference series against Troy on Friday, March 22. The series will be part of the Super Warhawk Weekend festivities.
