Ole Miss secured a 3-0 victory and a series win against No. 16 Mississippi State on May 2, after Rachel Connors hit a three-run walk-off home run during senior day at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium.
The result marks the second consecutive game in which Ole Miss won with a walk-off home run, following Kennedy Bunker’s decisive hit the previous night. The Rebels improved their record to 32-23 overall and 6-18 in Southeastern Conference play, while the Bulldogs fell to 37-17 overall and 9-15 in conference games.
Emilee Boyer pitched seven innings for Ole Miss, striking out three batters and allowing only three hits. Both Boyer and Mississippi State starter Alyssa Faircloth kept offenses scoreless through six innings. Opportunities were limited for both teams until late in the game, with key defensive plays maintaining the tie.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Cassie Reasner led off with her second single of the game. A bunt by Laylonna Applin resulted in an error that put two runners on base. Head coach Jamie Trachsel then called on Connors from the bench; she responded by hitting an 0-1 pitch over the fence for a three-run homer that ended the game.
Ole Miss will next compete in the Southeastern Conference Tournament hosted by Kentucky in Lexington, with their opponent yet to be determined. Opening round games are scheduled to be televised on SEC Network.
