Ole Miss takes on Arkansas for the right to play in CWS Championship

The stakes for Ole Miss baseball are simple, win and they’re in the championship series in Omaha for the first time in program history. That series begins Saturday.

Lose and they’re right back at it tomorrow against the Razorbacks, facing elimination. Arkansas topped Auburn last night 11-1 to stay alive.

While Ole Miss waited for their next opponent, they practiced at Creighton. It was a big opportunity for pitchers who haven’t gotten work in Omaha to throw bullpens.

While the team can sniff a championship series appearance, Coach Mike Bianco’s message to his team has been clear. “We remind them yes, it’s a business trip and all those things, all those coaches speak stuff that we all would think, but truth is they need to enjoy it. This is why they’re doing it; this is their passion and you play to win. When you win how you did last night it’s exciting but it’s also great that these guys are mature and it’s a veteran club and they can put it behind them and we have another game on Wednesday.”

Another advantage for Ole Miss is they have only used five pitchers through two games in Omaha so far. Arkansas has used 13 arms already, so Ole Miss should have more resources.