Ole Miss baseball achieved its first series win of the 2026 season with a 5-1 victory over Nevada at Swayze Field on Saturday. The Rebels, now holding a 2-0 record, have started undefeated through two games in five of the last six seasons. The team collected 11 hits and three home runs during the game, increasing their season totals to 22 hits and four home runs.
Sophomore pitcher Cade Townsend started for Ole Miss and delivered what was described as his best performance so far. He pitched for 4.2 innings, struck out eight batters—a personal best—allowed one earned run, and issued no walks. Across the first two games against Nevada, Ole Miss pitchers have recorded a total of 25 strikeouts.
Home runs were hit by Judd Utermark, Tristan Bissetta, and Tate Sirmans. Utermark reached his 30th career home run in the bottom of the first inning with a shot that traveled 428 feet, giving Ole Miss an early lead. Nevada answered with a run in the top of the second inning.
Bissetta continued his strong weekend by hitting his first home run as an Ole Miss player in the second inning, driving in both himself and Dom Decker to extend the Rebels’ lead. Townsend then retired nine consecutive batters across the third and fourth innings.
In his debut game and only his second collegiate at-bat, Sirmans hit a home run to left field. This marked back-to-back games where a redshirt freshman Rebel homered in their first college appearance; Brett Moseley had done so in Friday’s game.
After further solid pitching from Ole Miss, Decker singled for his second hit of the day and stole second base for his first steal this season. Bissetta added another RBI with a single that brought Decker home for a final score of 5-1.
Taylor Rabe entered as relief pitcher for Ole Miss, delivering 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out three batters to earn his first career win. In the ninth inning, Landon Koenig made his debut appearance for Ole Miss and closed out the game by striking out two batters.
The series will conclude Sunday at 1:30 p.m., with coverage available on SECN+.
Fans can participate in Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola through the Ole Miss Sports mobile app to earn points redeemable for prizes by attending events. Updates about Ole Miss baseball are available on X (@OleMissBSB), Facebook (Facebook.com/OleMissBaseball), Instagram (Instagram.com/officialolemissbsb), TikTok (@olemissbsb), and from head coach Mike Bianco on X (@CoachMikeBianco).
