Ole Miss Defeats Auburn 15-11 in SEC Showdown

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss secured an exciting 15-11 victory over Auburn on Friday night, maintaining their lead throughout the game at Oxford-University Stadium. The Rebels jumped ahead early, scoring three runs in the first inning, and did not look back.

With this win, Ole Miss improved its overall record to 37-17 and is now 16-13 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Auburn shares the same overall record but also stands at 16-13 in the conference.

Junior second baseman Judd Utermark had a standout performance for the Rebels, driving in seven runs thanks to two home runs and a single. After a solid start from pitcher Hunter Elliott, Utermark hit a home run following walks by his teammates to give Ole Miss a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Although Auburn answered with runs in the second and third innings, Ole Miss countered with four runs in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 7-2. Utermark singled to score a run, and multiple Rebels scored with the bases loaded.

The Rebels continued their offensive surge, adding two runs in the fourth and one more in the fifth to widen the score to 10-2 heading into the sixth inning. Auburn, however, fought back, scoring four unanswered runs to narrow the gap to 10-4.

In the sixth inning, Utermark struck again, hitting a three-run home run to push Ole Miss’ lead to 13-4. Auburn’s pitching had trouble containing Ole Miss throughout the game, with multiple pitchers tried in an effort to stop the offensive onslaught.

Despite Auburn’s late push, scoring two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings, Ole Miss secured its victory after a two-run homer from Will Furniss in the eighth inning made it 15-8.

Auburn managed three runs in the top of the ninth, but it wasn’t enough as the Rebels held on for the win.

Ole Miss now heads into the final game of the series against Auburn at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, looking to cement their position as they approach the upcoming SEC Tournament.