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Ole Miss Baseball's Fall Season: Standouts & Pitching Notes

2024-12-06

Ole Miss Baseball recently concluded their 2024 fall season with the annual Omaha Challenge. Spanning from September to November, the team engaged in weekly matchups against both internal and external opponents, aiming to enhance and prepare for the upcoming spring. Let's delve into some of the standout performances from this approximately two-month period.

Uncover the Stars of Ole Miss Baseball's Fall Season

At the Plate

Returning junior Judd Utermark emerged as a key offensive force during the fall. His remarkable eight home runs, 16 RBI, and 17 runs scored placed him at the top of the team's offensive charts. His slugging percentage of.896 and OPS of 1.349 were also among the highest. Additionally, he boasted the second-highest batting average of.333 and stole 12 bases.

Luke Hill led the team in batting average, hitting an impressive.347 in 49 at bats. He also took the lead in stolen bases with 14 and doubles with 5. Alongside Utermark and Campbell Smithwick, he was one of three Rebels to achieve an OPS over 1.000 with 60+ at bats.

On the Mound

On the pitching side, three freshmen made a significant impact in their first taste of college baseball. Walker Hooks led the staff in ERA among pitchers with more than three appearances, posting a minuscule 0.75 mark over 12 innings. He struck out 18 batters and didn't issue a single walk, while maintaining a WHIP of 0.83.

Cooper Johnson led the team in strikeouts with 21 and had the second-lowest ERA of 1.20 and WHIP of 0.67. He also worked the most innings among pitchers in the fall, covering 15 innings in seven appearances.

Cade Townsend led the pitching staff in WHIP with a low 0.63, while striking out 17 hitters and posting an ERA of 1.88. He worked 14.1 innings over seven appearances.

Hunter Elliott returned to the mound after being sidelined during the 2023 season and undergoing elbow surgery. In his four appearances, he posted a 1.80 ERA over 10 innings, allowing just five hits and striking out 14 batters.

Meridian Community College transfer Landon Waters and returner Ryne Rodriguez each posted a 2.70 ERA over 10 innings. Waters struck out 10 batters, while Rodriguez punched out 16, ranking fourth on the team.

Sam Tookoian worked the third-most innings on the staff, posting a 2.77 ERA with 13 strikeouts and holding hitters to a low.119 batting average.

The Rebels are set to open the 2025 season on February 14 against Arizona as part of the 2025 Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington, Texas. Season tickets for the 2025 Ole Miss Baseball season are now available for purchase at OleMissTix.com.