Jamie Trachsel on the hot start for Paige Smith vs. Kentucky: 'She's been in this moment'
Ole Miss star Paige Smith has wasted no time getting going in Tuesday’s opening round SEC Tournament matchup against Kentucky. Smith began the contest with a solo home run, drilling a ball to left field in the first inning to give the Rebels an early lead.
Smith didn’t stop there as her second at-bat resulted in an RBI single down the right field line to drive in the Rebels second run of the game. She made it on base a third time in the fourth inning after being hit by pitch.
With her team leading 3-2, Ole Miss coach Jamie Trachsel joined the SEC Network broadcast to speak on the hot start for Rebels senior.
“She’s been in this moment so many times,” Trachsel said. “So many big hits. It’s nice to see herself free herself up and hit a couple balls out that are important for us.”
The home run was the 38th of Smith’s career, which ranks her fourth in Ole Miss history. Only five of those have come this season, but perhaps she can carry the momentum she started with Tuesday throughout the rest of the conference tournament.
While Smith has led the Rebels offensively, they’ve counted on pitcher Grace Sparks to guide the defense. Ole Miss hasn’t shied away from throwing to Kentucky hitter Erin Coffel, who entered the game with 13 home runs and a .338 batting average.
Coffell has so far yet to record a hit as Sparks has one strikeout through the first four innings. As a team, the Wildcats have managed three hits overall.
“We’re trying to pitch around her a little bit without just intentionally walking her,” Traschel said. “Obviously the ball got away from us on that throw. But Grace is going a great job, our defense is making plays and our offense has been making timely hits. But it’s gonna be a battle. This offense is gonna come at you the whole game. We’re ready for that. We’ve just gotta keep doing our job and executing.”
Ole Miss would continue to add to its lead after Annie Orman hit a sacrifice fly to bring in another run and make it 4-2. That is where the score currently sits in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The winner between Ole Miss and Kentucky moves on to face No. 5 seed Missouri on Wednesday.