Mississippi State Shuts Out No. 8 Arkansas in Series Opener

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Peja Goold tossed her 11th complete game and eighth shutout of the season, leading No. 13 Mississippi State to a 1-0 victory over No. 8 Arkansas on Friday night, according to school officials.

Goold allowed just two hits and struck out three in the game, tying the Bulldogs’ single-season SEC shutouts record. Her performance kept Arkansas off the scoreboard and helped State improve to 34-9 overall and 6-7 in SEC play.

Mississippi State scored the only run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kiarra Sells drew a walk, advanced to third on a double from Morgan Stiles, and scored on a passed ball. Sells highlighted her speed with a stolen base and a key heads-up play that led to the game-winning run, according to head coach Samantha Ricketts.

“Every time Peja is on the mound, we know we have a good chance to win,” Ricketts said. “She did a really good job against a tough-hitting team. She kept them off-balance with her pitches, and our defense played well behind her.”

Sells, who has reached safely in 12 straight games, reflected on her baserunning. “I’ve grown a lot since my freshman year,” she said. “Practice has helped me become more aggressive and confident on the bases.”

The series continues Saturday at 2 p.m. CT with All For Alex day, where teams across the SEC and other conferences will wear teal to honor the late Alex Wilcox and raise awareness for ovarian cancer.

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