OXFORD, Miss. (Interstat) — Hunter Elliott and two relievers combined on a four-hit shutout Thursday as Mississippi blanked Kentucky 5-0 in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams at Swayze Field.

Elliott struck out six over 6 1/3 dominant innings. Tristan Bissetta powered the Rebels’ offense with two home runs, including a two-run shot in the first inning, and three RBIs. Will Furniss added a solo homer in the eighth.

Taylor Rabe closed with 2 2/3 perfect innings and five strikeouts for Mississippi (18-5, 1-0 SEC). The Wildcats (18-3, 0-1), whose eight-game win streak was snapped, were held to four singles. The result defied national projections favoring Kentucky. The series continues Friday.