OXFORD — Senior pitcher Riley Maddox broke down in a dialog with first-year Ole Miss baseball pitching coach Joel Mangrum earlier than final week. It turned out to be a great factor.
The No. 7 Rebels beat No. 4 Tennessee 8-5 on Saturday, April 12. It evened the collection and arrange a rubber match for Sunday (2 p.m. CT, SEC Community). Maddox pitched 5 sturdy innings, however his outing began poorly. Gavin Kilen, Tennessee’s second batter of the sport, hit a house run to proper middle discipline.
“Gavin Kilen is a good hitter,” Maddox stated. “I threw him a fastball proper down the center. He ought to’ve hit it out. I simply needed to work round it. Executing pitches. I feel that is form of what I have been doing the previous two weeks that I did not do for just a few weeks earlier than that. Making a little bit higher pitch right here and there.”
Riley has been wonderful his previous two begins, together with a five-inning efficiency April 4 in opposition to Kentucky wherein he didn’t enable an earned run. Earlier than that, nevertheless, he had been pitching poorly. He lasted 1⅓ innings on March 28 in opposition to Florida, getting pulled after permitting 4 runs. Maddox went to Mangrum for a heart-to-heart dialog.
“I used to be in a nasty spot mentally,” Maddox stated. “My psychological well being. I used to be combating that. A number of various things. To, I assume, dumb it down, simply making an attempt to execute. Making a greater pitch right here and there. Do not depart the cutter up. Do not depart sliders up. Fastballs have to be on the black. Be certain that of these issues.”
Mangrum, who was employed final June, has develop into a confidant for Maddox.
“I nonetheless have not actually instructed my dad and mom,” Maddox stated. “I instructed my girlfriend a little bit bit. I keep in mind Kentucky, earlier than I went to him, I form of broke down. I instructed him what I used to be going via and he helped me via it. Large assist from Joel.”
Maddox’s ultimate line Saturday was 5 innings pitched, two earned runs and 5 strikeouts. He acquired the win in opposition to an elite offense.
Earlier than the Kentucky begin, Maddox owned an 8.57 ERA. Now it is down to five.75. Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco stated Maddox’s capability to settle in was most likely the distinction within the sport Saturday.
“He is hung in there,” Bianco stated. “That is the factor that I really like. At this time you might see the veteran in him.”
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Electronic mail him at Shutchens@gannett.com or attain him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
About The Author
