:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30875501/wkknfmnyvsiwqnc.20140327010149.0.jpg)
Arkansas cruised to a shutout victory in the first game, but finally allowed the Bulldogs to get some offense going in the second. This sets up a pretty big game on Sunday in which the Razorbacks have an opportunity to claim a series victory on the road against a ranked team. It's the kind of win that could really get things going in a positive direction for Arkansas.
From UA:
The Arkansas baseball team (17-9, 4-4 SEC) split a doubleheader at No. 13 Mississippi State (19-10, 5-3) on Saturday, taking game one 4-0 and dropping the nightcap 5-1 at Dudy Noble Field.
Jalen Beeks (4-2) was sensational on the hill in game one, lasting 8.0 innings and allowing no runs, while scattering nine hits. Michael Gunn came on to work a scoreless ninth inning and added a pair of strikeouts to secure the win.
Arkansas scored single runs in the second and fourth innings, but finally broke the game open in the fifth frame when Brian Anderson singled home a run with the bases loaded and Eric Fisher added an RBI groundout later in the frame to give Arkansas a 4-0 lead.
Joe Serrano paced the offense, recording three hits and reaching base four times, while Fisher and Bobby Wernes added two hits apiece in the game one victory.
The Razorbacks got off to a hot start in game two, as Anderson laced a single up the middle to plate Benintendi and give Arkansas a 1-0 first-inning lead.
The Bulldogs finally broke through in the sixth inning and did so in a big way, scoring four runs on five hits to take a commanding 4-1 lead. MSU added a run in the seventh and cruised to a 5-1 victory to even the series.
Trey Killian (1-4) was the tough-luck loser, lasting 5.2 innings and giving up six hits and three runs, while striking out one and walking one. Zach Jackson, Jackson Lowery and Landon Simpson all made appearances out of the bullpen in the nightcap.
Arkansas and Mississippi State play will play the rubber game of the series Sunday afternoon with first pitch slated for 1:30 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field. Chris Oliver (2-2, 1.74) will take the mound for the Razorbacks looking for his second straight victory.