Unplayable Sod Causes Second Early Exit for Ole Miss
A college baseball game was called off on Tuesday night between the Ole Miss Rebels and Southern Miss Golden Eagles due to unsafe playing conditions. The game took place at Trustmark Park, the home of the Mississippi Braves. The newly-laid sod on the infield caused player safety concerns in the bottom of the fourth inning. The crew chief met with both head coaches and decided to call off the game as a precautionary measure.
Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco and Southern Miss coach Scott Berry mutually agreed to call off the game after discussing the poor condition of the infield sod. This decision resulted in disappointment for both teams and fans, but it was necessary to ensure player safety.
It was the second time this season that Ole Miss left the field early without registering a loss. The contractual make-up date for the game was scheduled for Wednesday, but it will not be rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts.
Infield Sod Poses Risk to Players’ Safety
According to Ole Miss baseball’s website, several instances of sod being reset during the game led to its cancellation. The Golden Eagles were leading 2-1 when the umpires called off the game, but it resulted in a no-contest because it failed to reach five innings.
Before the game was called off, Ole Miss had three hits and one run, while Southern Miss had two runs. The newly-laid sod on the infield caused unsafe playing conditions for both teams. Pieces were flying up, causing players to slip and increasing their risk of injury.
Disappointment and Ticket Refunds for Fans
The cancellation of the game resulted in disappointment for fans who came out to watch their teams play. Fans with tickets to the cancelled game can exchange them for two tickets to a 2023 Mississippi Braves game this season. The offer is valid for fans who purchased tickets directly from the Mississippi Braves or Ticketmaster.
Prioritizing Player Safety in College Athletics
Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco expressed disappointment but acknowledged that it was the right decision to prioritize player safety. He stated that both teams have a lot of season left, and they don’t want anyone to get hurt due to bad field conditions.
In conclusion, the Ole Miss-Southern Miss baseball game was called off due to the unplayable sod conditions on the infield. It was the second time this season that Ole Miss left the field early without registering a loss. Although disappointing for both teams and fans, player safety is a top priority in college athletics. The game will not be rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts, but fans can exchange their tickets for two tickets to a 2023 Mississippi Braves game this season.
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