Ole Miss' Hunter Elliott has pitched on some big stages but none bigger than Omaha

On3 imageby:Jake Thompson06/20/22

JakeThompsonOn3

OMAHA, Neb. — Hunter Elliott is a freshman but has pitched as if he is a seasoned veteran. That is a big reason why Ole Miss is currently a win away from starting the College World Series with two straight wins.

Throughout the season Elliott has shrugged off the idea of a game, situation or the environment he is pitching in as too big for him. He has not allowed the moment to overwhelm himself despite having pitched in some of the toughest stadiums in the SEC.

On Monday Elliott will be pitching on a stage that is bigger than any he previously in his young career at Ole Miss. He will also be tasked with getting the Rebels to 2-0 in Omaha and a second win over an SEC opponent.

Of course none of that seems to faze the Tupelo, Miss. native. It is just another game for Elliott who soaked in all the pomp and circumstance in Ole Miss’ first game at Charles Schwab Field in their win over Auburn on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a different environment, a different crowd at the game that you pitch,” said Elliott when talking to local reports at Sunday’s practice. “Obviously a super cool experience. Everything you dreamed of.”

For a second straight game Ole Miss is facing an SEC West foe here in Omaha. For Elliott the opponent is one he is familiar with.

In Elliott’s first game against Arkansas back in April He found success in what was the turning point for him, the pitching staff and the team as a whole. Elliott took the loss at Baum-Walker Stadium but pitched six innings, giving up three runs off four hits. He also nearly tied his career-best in strikeouts, at the time, by getting eight Arkansas batters.

Having that knowledge and experience has Elliott prepared for what he will face on Monday. Though it is an Arkansas offense that put up 17 runs on Stanford on Saturday.

“They can hit it. They can swing it a little bit,” Elliott said of Arkansas. “Really got to pitch to them. Still got to make pitches but, obviously, just like any team they’re pitchable if you execute your pitches and have your best stuff you can beat them.”

There is another goal Elliott has in mind beyond keeping the Arkansas batters in check and that is keeping the Razorback fans from calling the hogs as much as possible.

“I would say rather than try to tune them out, make it to where they don’t do it as much would be better,” Elliott said. “So, if you allow less runs you won’t hear it as much is what I kind of figured out. The less home runs, the less runs the less ‘Woo Pigs.'”

Elliott is focused and has his blinders on heading into the biggest start of his career and the biggest game of the season for Ole Miss.

Though that does not mean the near 20-year-old is not aware of the magnitude of what it means to be trusted to get the ball and take the mound at Omaha, as a freshman.

“You soak it in a little before,” Elliott said. “I think like I’ve said in past interviews, it’s just another game once you get out of the first inning or once you throw the first couple pitches. It’s time to lock in. It’s just another game and you against your opponent, really.”

You may also like