Fayetteville, Ark. — Third-ranked Mississippi State split a Saturday doubleheader with No. 5 Arkansas at Baum-Walker Stadium. The Bulldogs won the first game 7-2 before losing the second 7-3, allowing Arkansas to clinch the SEC series.
In the opener, Mississippi State took an early lead with a three-run homer from Ace Reese in the third inning. Reese added a two-run double in the fifth. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the sixth and eighth innings, supported by strong pitching from Tomas Valincius, who threw seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out seven.
Arkansas scored its first runs in the eighth inning of game one, with Nolan Souza and Ryder Helfrick driving in runs. Reese led Mississippi State’s offense with two hits and five RBIs. The Bulldogs finished with eight hits and scored seven runs.
The nightcap saw Mississippi State jump to a 3-0 lead in the second inning but falter later. Arkansas responded in the third and fifth innings to tie the game. The Razorbacks broke through in the eighth, scoring four runs on RBI singles from Maika Niu and TJ Pompey, along with a fielding error and a bases-loaded walk. Arkansas ultimately won 7-3.
Arkansas (14-6, 2-1 SEC) secured the series after winning the opener Friday. Mississippi State (16-4, 1-2 SEC) returns home Tuesday for a game against Jackson State, scheduled for 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
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