Chase Cockrell's two home runs lead Ole Miss in sweep of Eastern Illinois

OXFORD | Chase Cockrell didn't quite make it to the foul line when he got his first autograph request. Then he kneeled for a picture, and another Sharpie and baseball were thrust in his general direction.

Media obligations kept Cockrell from joining the rest of his team in the mass of children following the Rebels' 7-3 win over Eastern Illinois (5-8) to sweep the series and move to 15-1 on the season. But when he did make his way, the kids were waiting patiently and with excitement.

That happens when you're on a tear like Cockrell.

The second-year JUCO transfer hit two home runs and had three hits and three runs scored on Sunday, capping an eight-hit week in the four games he played.

"When he swings, and gets his good swing off, you can see magic happens," Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said. "He has so much power that the balls get out... because he hits them so hard and so high. Much more competent at-bats and better swings."

Cockrell is hitting .559 this season through 31 at-bats -- substantially fewer plate appearances than five of his teammates, though this weekend may have been a big step in getting consistent opportunities.

He played in all three games in a weekend for the first time this season and started Sunday against right-hander Carson Haws instead of being primarily a left-right platoon option with Cole Zabowski and Tim Rowe. Zawbowski has played well with an OPS of more than .800, and Rowe is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Cockrell hit .239 and struck out 27 times in 67 at-bats last season, as he transitioned from junior college. His plan is to look up the middle and the other way this season, and Bianco sees a major difference.

"Last year he'd get a breaking ball he wasn't ready for and then chase a fastball," Bianco said. "These at-bats he's much more comfortable."

Cockrell's runs produced help give Ole Miss breathing room from Eastern Illinois' three solo home runs off James McArthur.

The Rebel starter only faced one batter from the stretch the entire day and lasted 5.1 innings with four strikeouts and a walk. One hit fell in play in addition to the three that left the park.

Will Stokes threw 1.2 innings without a hit or walk, and Parker Caracci and Dallas Woolfolk each threw a scoreless inning.

Thomas Dillard had two doubles to cap a tremendous week, and Grae Kessinger and Ryan Olenek also had two hits apiece. Olenek's two-run single in the second inning gave the Rebels a 4-2 lead at the time.