LOOK: Judd Utermark is on a heater offensively and carrying Ole Miss this postseason
Tim Elko was the slugging face of Ole Miss baseball’s 2022 national title run.
His efforts earned him a statue built in his honor and likeness at Swayze Field.
Judd Utermark has done his best Elko impression so far in the postseason, including two games in the Oxford Regional. Utermark came into the NCAA Tournament having hit .400 (14 for 35) and slugged .629 with 12 RBI and nine runs scored over his previous eight games.
Utermark’s only stayed hot. He has four hits in nine-at bats, totaling three home runs, five RBI and three runs. The host Rebels (41-20) avoided elimination with an 8-6 win over 3-seed Western Kentucky (46-14) on Saturday. Six of their 15 hits were home runs, a single-game season-high.
Utermark, Mitch Sanford and Austin Fawley each clubbed two apiece. Ole Miss has hit four or more home runs in four games this season. The Rebels broke the single-season program record for home runs previously set in 2022.
“Hitters really swung it well,” Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said. He’s in his 25th season leading the Rebels, who are hosting a Regional for the first time since 2021.
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“A day where the ball really was getting out, especially to the right side of the field. But part of that was a really good approach. Our guys did a great job staying with the approach. Just a good day.”
WATCH: Full postgame reaction after Ole Miss baseball lived to fight another postseason day
Ace Hunter Elliott added to his season strikeout total (101) through six complete innings.
He’s one of four Rebels with two 100-strikeout seasons in their careers. The others are Mark Holliman, Lance Lynn, Drew Pomeranz.
Ole Miss next plays the loser of 4-seed Murray State and 2-seed Georgia Tech at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday. The winner will advance to the Regional Final at 6 p.m. CT.
The included photos were provided exclusively to the Ole Miss Spirit by Bella Wood.
Photos by Bella Wood/Ole Miss Athletics
Instagram and Twitter: @OleMissPix
Buy Photos at RebelWallArt.com
