OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi’s baseball team displayed formidable batting skills as Will Furniss smashed two home runs during their 19-8 triumph against Murray State on Sunday. This victory at the Oxford Regional propels the Rebels toward a decisive match-up. Earlier on Sunday, the Rebels (43-20) knocked Georgia Tech out of contention with an 11-9 win and aim for a repeat success against the Racers on Monday to secure passage to the super regionals. Murray State (41-14), who defeated Ole Miss in a tight 9-6 game on Friday, initially forced the Rebels into the loser’s bracket.
Furniss ignited the offensive surge with a two-run homer on the final pitch against starter Kane Elmy, sparking an explosive third inning where Mississippi reversed a 3-2 deficit by adding eight runs. In the fourth, Furniss was followed by Judd Utermark and Isaac Humphrey, each hitting solo homers off reliever Reese Oakley to stretch the lead to 15-4.
Throughout the game, Furniss accumulated four hits and provided four RBIs. Mitchell Sanford contributed with three singles, leading to three RBIs and scoring twice. Humphrey missed a cycle by just one single. Austin Fawley made his mark with two hits and drove in three runs, with his two-run homer in the second inning setting the tone for the Rebels’ barrage.
On the other side, Dustin Mercer made significant contributions for Murray State, securing three hits, including two doubles and adding two RBIs.
Mississippi is participating in its 26th NCAA Tournament and boasts a record of six College World Series appearances, triumphing in their latest in 2022. Conversely, Murray State is marking its fourth tournament appearance, the first since 2003.