SEMO vs. Ole Miss baseball 2016: Preview and online streaming

Well, last weekend sure was fun. After an impressive, resume-boosting series win over top five Louisville, the Rebels earned a come from behind victory over the Memphis Tigers to bolster momentum heading into the Chanticleer Classic. And that momentum didn't slow down until the Rebs lifted their tray back tables in their upright position before lifting off to return home. Mike Bianco's club outscored their opponents 22-6 and the bullpen continues to be lights out as they didn't give up a run in 10 innings.

Now, back in the friendly confines of Swayze Field, the Rebels welcome in Southeast Missouri (6-5) for a two-game series that begins a stretch of five home games in six days. Despite the ugly record, the Redhawks swing it well (.280 team average) and are led by Dan Holst and Daniel Costello, who are raking at a .425 and .412 clip, respectively. Branden Boggetto also swings it well (.378 average) and is tied with Holst for the team lead in hits with 17. Ole Miss leads the overall series against SEMO 14-2 and last played them in 2011 which was a 10-6 Rebel victory.

3 big questions for the midweek

1. Can James McArthur make adjustments?

Big Tex has started both midweek games for Ole Miss and hasn't fared very well. He's been touched up by Arkansas State and Memphis and hasn't had a chance to settle in to games as he's never lasted longer than three innings. McArthur definitely looks the part and has shown good velo and stuff, but he has struggled to make an out pitch when ahead in counts. Bianco obviously believes in the young man since he's trotting him out for the third week in a row, but I expect it to be short leash once again if he begins to struggle.

2. O Errol, Where Art Thou?

It's barely March and people are already starting to gripe about the preseason All-American's struggles at the plate. Through 10 games, the short stop is hitting only .205 with 8 hits and has scored 9 runs. But, the caveat to that is of those eight hits, three went for extra bases. And at the Chanticleer Classic he was seeing and hitting the ball well, but just right at people. Coming into this season, Robinson was hitting just under .300 for his career, so I wouldn't worry too much right now. Once Bianco finds a permanent lineup (preferably Errol in the two-hole), he should settle in and get comfy.

3. Who wants to DH?

Up until last weekend, the race for the designated hitter role was as wide open as the Square during intercession. But, after this past weekend saw Holt Perdzock, Nick Fortes and Ryan Olenek put together some good ABs, this is becoming quite the compelling story line. We all know how much Bianco loves his match ups, but he might have to pick just one to shore up the bottom of the order once SEC play arrives. Perdzock is the name you know, but freshman Ryan Olenek has really come on of late, raising his average to .357, slugging .429 and driving in five runs. He is the heir apparent to Errol so look for Bianco to give him some more opportunities to make sure he is ready to take over in 2017.

How to watch

First pitch: Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. CT
TV: SEC Network+
Online streaming: WatchESPN.com
Projected pitchers:
Ole Miss - RHP James McArthur (0-0, 11.37 ERA, 6.0 IP, 4K, 3 BB)
SEMO- RHP Jacob Lawrence (0-0, 4.05 ERA, 6.2 IP, 8K, 3 BB)

First pitch: Wednesday at 4 p.m. CT
TV: SEC Network+
Online streaming: WatchESPN.com
Projected pitchers:
Ole Miss - RHP Andy Pagnozzi (2-0, 2.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 10K, 2 BB)
SEMO- TBA