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The turning point in Game 2 of the weekend series came in the top of the fifth inning. In a scoreless game up to that point, the Ole Miss offense exploded with seven hits against three Kentucky pitchers.
Having only allowed one hit in the previous four innings, Kentucky starting pitcher Jerad Grundy seemed to lose his command on the mound, culminating with a grand slam by Ole Miss first baseman Matt Snyder immediately after an intentional walk loaded the bases. Snyder's blast turned a 1-0 game into a 5-0 game.
"When I saw them walking (Alex) Yarbrough I was like 'This is my chance right here,'" Snyder said. "I love it when the guys intentionally walk guys before you, that kind of gives you a little get-up. I wanted to make sure I got a good swing on the bat."
After that, Ole Miss pushed three more runs across, and saw Snyder homer again in the next inning, a solo shot, extending the lead to 9-0.
The difference in this game from game one was the clutch hitting by Ole Miss with runners on base.
"A lot of two out hits, a lot of clutch hits... That (fifth) inning, we needed a few of those last night," Ole Miss Head Coach Mike Bianco said.
Switching places
The Rebels also received an exceptional start from their man on the mound, Mike Mayers. Mayers was scheduled to pitch today, with R.J. Hively scheduled to start Saturday. But Bianco said Hively's arm was still a little tired, and decided to switch the two just hours before the game.
Mayers pitched 71/3 innings, allowed just eight hits and three earned runs in 93 pitches, earning the win.
"I was just able to throw strikes," Mayers said. "Kentucky has a great lineup, they definitely made me work all day. They like to swing it. After last night I knew I was able to throw up a couple zeros until our offense was able to get going. They were finally able to get going in that one inning."
The Rebels' victory Saturday snapped UK's 21-game home winning streak and evened the series. Today, Ole Miss will try to hand the Wildcats their first SEC series loss this season.