Baseball Newcomers Make Their Mark

Baseball Newcomers Make Their Mark

The Diamond Rebels are off to a 5-0 start to their 2011 campaign and several new faces have seen the field. The early win streak can directly be attributed to those newcomers. Seven freshmen and five junior college transfers have already helped the Rebels in the first five games.

Freshman Preston Overbey has already made his presence felt in this Ole Miss lineup. The Jackson, Tenn., native is batting .368 (7 for 19) with one home run and 7 RBI. His stellar play at third base has helped anchor a solid defensive infield. Senior Matt Smith was impressed with the freshman’s play over the weekend. “He hit the ball well and just looks the part. He was comfortable. You’d never know he was a freshman,” Smith said.

Junior Blake Newalu won the starting job at shortstop over freshman Austin Anderson after a lengthy battle this fall. He has been errorless in his four starts this season. His steady glove up the middle has already helped turn four double plays.

Another junior college transfer Zach Kirksey has had his ups and downs already this year. After receiving the start in left field in the season opener, the junior from West Monroe, La., dropped a pop fly in the first inning that led to a run. In Tuesday’s game against Memphis, Kirksey redeemed himself by throwing a runner out at home to end the top of the second and launching a towering home run in the sixth inning. Head Coach Mike Bianco was pleased with Kirksey’s ability to bounce back. “Zach Kirksey made the play in the outfield that was the turning point of the game. It gave our dugout momentum which was important in putting things together today,” said Bianco.

Ole Miss continues their season this weekend with a three-game series at the University of Houston starting Friday. The Rebels return home for games Tuesday and Wednesday against Austin Peay. Their next weekend series will be at home against Tulane.


Article from Opening Day - http://www.olemisssports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/021811aaa.html

Video from Tuesday against Memphis - http://www.olemisssports.com/allaccess/?media=232307