The No. 11 Ole Miss baseball team scored more runs than No. 2 LSU in the teams’ series this weekend, but the Tigers’ starting pitchers buckled down Saturday and Sunday to win the series.The starters struckout 15 batters in the final two games to take both the finale and the series, 2-1.Sophomore pitcher Austin Ross (4-2) threw a career-high eight innings in the rubber match Sunday, allowing two hits and one earned run. “Today was his best outing ever,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “It was a tremendous effort by him. We needed every bit of it.”Even though LSU (21-6, 6-3) failed to hit a home run in the weekend series, the bats came through in clutch situations.Late hits Sunday in the bottom of the eighth inning by freshman outfielder Mikie Mahtook and junior outfielder Jared Mitchell brought in the two runs LSU needed to defeat Ole Miss (16-8, 5-4). “A great rally in the bottom of the eighth inning,” Mainieri said. “Whether it’s 12-11 or 2-1 you’re happy to be on the top side.”Mahtook hit a single and brought in the tying run with two strikes.”He’s such a great athlete,” Mainieri said. “It’s exciting to me to think how much this kid is going to continue to improve with that experience.”Mitchell drove Mahtook in with a single to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.
“I just knew today [Ole Miss pitcher Scott Bittle] was just living off his breaking ball,” Mitchell said. “I got that pitch, and I hit it.”Mitchell also stole two bases in the series to extend his Southeastern Conference leading total to 22. The outfielder was involved in a controversial catch in the top of the fourth when Ole Miss center fielder Jordan Henry hit a shot to left field. Mitchell ran under the ball and thought he made the catch, but the umpire ruled it a single.”It was definitely a catch,” Mitchell said. “Umpires make mistakes … but luckily for us it didn’t decide anything.”The Rebels (16-8, 5-4) scored their only run on a wild pitch by Ross in the fifth. LSU freshman pitcher Matty Ott recorded the save Sunday. Ott said he was glad to get the chance to close in tight games.”It’s good to gain that kind of experience,” Ott said. “That’s the role you’re going to be in as a closer. You’ve got to come in with one-run games.”The second game of the series went to LSU, 6-5. Senior pitcher Louis Coleman and junior outfielder Blake Dean led the Tigers to victory.Coleman (6-1) had a career-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings, allowing only one earned run. “He was outstanding again, as he’s been all year,” Mainieri said. “There’s something extra about him that allows him to rise up for a team when they need him the most.”Dean recorded a season-high four hits and four RBI.”Those kinds of games are the ones that break the ice,” Dean said. “Once you get things rolling … you feel in place, and things come smoother and easier.”
Ott gave up three runs in the ninth, but secured the win to even the series.
The Tigers fell to the Rebels in the first game of the series, 7-4. Ole Miss designated hitter Matt Snyder had two home runs and four RBI. The Rebels homered four times, while the Tigers had seven hits.Sophomore pitcher Anthony Ranaudo (2-2) took the loss Friday.Mainieri said he has been impressed with the pitching staff, but the middle relievers may be a cause for concern in the future.”Our rotation is better,” Mainieri said. “My concern still remains what happens if the starter doesn’t get past the fifth inning.”–
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