OXFORD, Miss. (Interstat) — The Mississippi Rebels, powered by a relentless offensive response and a late-inning surge, opened their 2026 season with an 11-3 victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack on Friday at Swayze Field.

The game’s defining momentum shift occurred immediately after Nevada stunned the home crowd. The Wolf Pack’s Harvey launched a solo home run to left field in the top of the first inning, quickly putting Nevada ahead. The visitors added two more runs in the frame on a double and a single, chasing Mississippi starter Hunter Elliott before he could record an out.

Facing a three-run deficit, the Rebels’ offense answered decisively in the bottom half of the inning against Nevada starter Andres Castro. After a double and a wild pitch, Mississippi loaded the bases with a walk and a hit-by-pitch. Trenton Bissetta then cleared them with a three-run double to right center, tying the game. The Rebels were not finished. Following two more batters reaching base, Austin Fawley grounded into a double play, but it allowed Bissetta to score, giving Mississippi a 4-3 lead it would not relinquish.

Mississippi extended its advantage in the second inning. Will Furniss and Bissetta each delivered RBI singles, pushing the lead to 6-3. The Rebels added another run in the fourth on an RBI groundout by Daniel Pacella.

Nevada capitalized on defensive miscues to close the gap in the sixth. Two runs scored on a fielding error and a subsequent throwing error by Mississippi shortstop Brayden Randle, cutting the deficit to 7-5. The Wolf Pack threatened for more, loading the bases, but reliever Houston Calhoun entered and recorded a strikeout to end the inning.

Mississippi got one run back in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single from Pacella, making it 8-5. The game remained tight until the Rebels broke it open in the eighth inning. After a walk and an error placed a runner in scoring position, Hayden Federico drove him in with an RBI single. Pinch-hitter Brett Moseley then followed with a two-run home run down the right-field line, providing the final 11-5 margin.

Nevada’s offense managed nine hits but stranded multiple runners and grounded into a game-ending double play in the ninth. Mississippi pitchers recorded 15 strikeouts. The Rebels’ offense produced 11 hits, drew seven walks, and were hit by three pitches.

With the win, Mississippi begins the season 1-0. Nevada starts 0-1. The teams continue their three-game series on Saturday.

Key performers for Mississippi included Brayden Randle, who had two hits and a stolen base, Hayden Federico, who drove in a run and scored twice, and Trenton Bissetta, whose first-inning double provided the pivotal swing. Relievers Owen Kelly and Houston Calhoun combined for 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief after the early exit of starter Hunter Elliott.