The SEC Tournament’s top seed is off to a strong start. Arkansas took down Georgia 11-2 to advance in the winners bracket. The Razorbacks and Bulldogs will learn their Thursday opponents after the Vanderbilt-Ole Miss Wednesday nightcap.

Arkansas was one out away from an even more satisfying victory. Entering the seventh, Lael Lockhart had tossed six perfect innings. With the Razorbacks up 10-0, the game was set to end by run-rule if UGA did not score in the top of the seventh. Lockhart retired the first two batters but the perfect game was broken up by a Josh McAllister infield single. The next batter, Corey Collins, homered to right field, meaning the run-rule was off, too.

That was all for the Georgia offense. Arkansas added another run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Free passes were the big problem for Georgia pitching. Bulldogs hurlers issued 14 walks including 10 in the first five innings as the Hogs established a 10-0 lead.

Lockhart finished with a line of 7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 11K. Four Razorbacks – Jalen Battles, Christian Franklin, Cullen Smith and Cayden Wallace – tied for the RBI lead with two apiece.

One downside to Arkansas’ win is that Brady Slavens injured his ankle crossing first base. He was seen in the dugout and on the field after the game sporting a walking boot.