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Arkansas Softball Routs Mississippi State in Five Innings
Razorbacks score 8 runs in 5th to run-rule Bulldogs and even series
Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:20pm
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Arkansas softball's explosive 5th-inning rally and dominant pitching performance evened their series with Mississippi State, setting the stage for a decisive finale.Mississippi State TodayNo. 6/8 Arkansas softball used a dominant 8-run fifth inning and a complete-game shutout from pitcher Payton Burnham to defeat No. 15/13 Mississippi State 8-0 in five innings on Saturday. The win evens the series between the SEC foes heading into the finale.
Why it matters
This was a key conference matchup between two top-20 teams, with Arkansas bouncing back after dropping the series opener. The Razorbacks' offensive explosion and Burnham's efficient pitching performance showed their ability to make quick adjustments and put together a complete game.
The details
Arkansas was held hitless through four innings before erupting for 8 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in the 5th. Dakota Kennedy hit a 3-run homer, Brinli Bain added a 2-run double, and Ella McDowell, Reagan Johnson and Karlie Davison also drove in runs to cap the decisive rally. Burnham allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk over 5 shutout innings, needing only 67 pitches to earn the run-rule victory.
- The game was played on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at Nusz Park.
The players
Payton Burnham
The Arkansas pitcher who earned the complete-game shutout victory, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk over 5 innings.
Dakota Kennedy
The Arkansas batter who hit a 3-run home run as part of the Razorbacks' 8-run 5th inning rally.
Brinli Bain
The Arkansas batter who hit a 2-run double in the 5-run 5th inning.
The takeaway
Arkansas showed its offensive firepower and pitching depth in evening the series, setting up a decisive finale between the two ranked SEC softball programs.
