The diamond Rebels will remain at home for the second straight weekend as the play host to Missouri State. There is a little bit of rain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday followed by a drop in temperature on a sunny Sunday. No reason not to be in Oxford as Bianco and the boys look to keep their undefeated start going.
The Rebel offense is red hot to begin the year, scoring 29 runs in three games against Nevada last weekend and 18 in a seven inning run rule against Jackson State on Wednesday
night. Tate Sirmans and Brett Moseley both homered in their first career at bats while Tristan Bissetta became the first Rebel since Nick Fortes to hit home runs in the same inning against JSU. He also has 12 RBI through five games, tied for the SEC lead.
While the pitching and offense seem to be in tune early, the defense still seems to be an issue like it was last season. There is still plenty of time to clean that up and if the offense continues to be this dynamic, it may not matter much.
Projected Starting Lineup
- Dom Decker – 2B
- Judd Utermark – 3B
- Will Furniss – 1B
- Tristan Bissetta – RF
- Austin Fawley – C
- Collin Reuter – DH
- Daniel Pacella – LF
- Hayden Federico – CF
- Brayden Randle – SS
Projected Pitching Matchups
Friday: LHP Hunter Elliott (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. RHP Michael Yusypchuk (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Saturday: RHP Cade Townsend (0-0, 1.93 ERA) vs. TBA
Sunday: LHP Wil Libbert (1-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. TBA
The rotation is off to a strong start. Of course, we all know what to anticipate when Elliott takes the mound but Cade Townsend and Wil Libbert impressed all the same. The bullpen has been strong as well, giving up no runs in the weekend series against Nevada.
All three games will be streamed live on SEC Network+, Friday at 4, Saturday at 2 and Sunday at 1:30.
