Ole Miss Prevails in Thrilling 14-Inning Matchup to Kick Off NCAA Tournament

Brayden Randle, a junior shortstop for Ole Miss, made a dramatic impact in the NCAA Tournament opener against Arizona State, stepping in as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and ultimately delivering a walk-off single in the 14th inning. His clutch hit propelled the No. 2 seeded Rebels to a 7-6 victory over the No. 3 seeded Sun Devils, securing their spot in the winner’s bracket of the Lincoln Regional at Haymarket Park.

With this win, Ole Miss improved their season record to 37-21 and is set to clash with host Nebraska on Saturday evening. The Rebels’ bullpen was instrumental in their success, with sophomore Walker Hooks and junior Hudson Calhoun combining to pitch seven scoreless innings to seal the game. Leading the offense, sophomore Hayden Federico recorded four hits, while senior Judd Utermark and senior Tristan Bissetta each contributed with home runs.

The matchup featured ace left-handed pitchers Hunter Elliott for Ole Miss and Arizona State’s Cole Carlon, though both struggled to find their rhythm. Elliott, a key member of the 2022 national championship team, allowed four earned runs over five innings, striking out four and walking four. Carlon, a first-team All-Big 12 selection, gave up six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, with nine strikeouts to his credit.

Arizona State (37-20) saw standout Nu’u Contrades hit two home runs, but their star outfielder Landon Hairston, recognized as the 2026 Big 12 Player of the Year, was held hitless at 0 for 4. The game started with the Sun Devils quickly taking the lead, scoring two runs in the first inning through a walk and three singles. However, Utermark's record-setting 50th career home run narrowed the gap, igniting the Rebels' offense.

The third inning proved pivotal as Ole Miss scored four runs to take control of the game, highlighted by a two-run double from senior Will Furniss and a towering two-run home run from Bissetta. Despite a resurgence from Arizona State, including a two-run homer from Contrades that tied the game at 6-6, the Rebels fought back, loading the bases multiple times and ultimately securing victory with Randle's decisive hit in the 14th inning. The Rebels are now poised to take on the top-seeded Nebraska in their next challenge.