2021 NCAA Baseball Tournament: Ole Miss drops game one to hot-hitting Arizona, 9-3

When the game started, it looked like Ole Miss was in for a good night.

The Rebels pushed across three runs in the opening frame before Derek Diamond took the hill for the Rebels. Little did we know that it would be the only runs Ole Miss would muster on the night as Arizona took game one of the Tucson super regional, 9-3.

Derek Diamond gave up leadoff home runs in the first and second inning to cut his team’s lead to 3-2. Then, Arizona found more life against the Rebel bullpen in the form of Tyler Myers who did not look nearly as dominant as he did in Hoover against Vanderbilt.

So, following a six-run loss in game one, Ole Miss has to win two-straight in order to reach Omaha. That’s a tall task against these Arizona bats, but, fortunately for the Rebels, they have Doug Nikhazy going on the hill tomorrow, so you’ll have as much a chance of a win as possible to force a game three.

In short, Ole Miss didn’t take advantage of the opportunities it was presented with tonight. The bats went absolutely silent when runners were on base, and in a game like this, that just can’t happen, especially when Arizona’s two best bullpen arms are suspended for the weekend.

We’ll see what happens tomorrow, but this team has its back against the wall. I understand the frustration that many are feeling after tonight because I feel it too. Still, there’s a chance to right the ship, but it won’t be easy.

Bottom line: tonight wasn’t fun. We’ll try again tomorrow.