Hummel strikes out six, allows just three hits in loss
MARTIN, Tenn. – Ole Miss allowed just three hits at UT-Martin on Wednesday afternoon, but could not bring any runs home and lost 1-0 to the Skyhawks at Bettye Giles Field.
Junior pitcher Carly Hummel threw a complete game against UT-Martin, allowing three hits while striking out six and walking two. Hummel (7-6) carried a perfect game through the opening 3.2 innings.
Brittany Broome, Lauren Lindsey, Natalie Nimmo and Melina Preciado each recorded one hit for the Rebels in what was a pitching duel throughout.
Ole Miss’ best scoring opportunities came in the fifth and seventh innings. The Rebels put base runners on the corners in the top of the fifth and had runners on first and second in the seventh, but could not bring anyone home.
It was the second matchup of the season between Ole Miss (18-12) and UT-Martin. The Rebels defeated the Skyhawks 9-8 in eight innings at the Red & Blue Classic on Feb. 23. Ole Miss came back from a five-run deficit in the bottom of the seventh inning in that game, thanks in part to a grand slam from junior first baseman Londen Ladner. After UT-Martin scored one run in the eighth inning, Ole Miss came back to win the game with two runs in the bottom of the eighth.
Despite the loss, the 2013 Rebels have tied the program’s third best start in program history through the opening 30 games. Ole Miss’ 18-12 start ties the start of the 2010 and 1999 teams. The best 30-game start to a season came in 2005 when the Rebels were 21-9.
UT-Martin scored the game’s lone run Wednesday in the bottom of the fourth. After reaching on a walk with two outs, Skyhawks center fielder Leah Taylor stole second base. UT-Martin third baseman Kenzi Tate then had a hard hit double deep to left field to break up Hummel’s no-hit bid and bring Taylor home.
Ole Miss will now begin a three-game series against Southeastern Conference newcomer Missouri on Friday. The Rebels and No. 8 Missouri Tigers will get together at 6 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. All times are Central.