For the first time since 2015, the 13th-ranked University of Georgia softball program has won a game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, downing #19 Arkansas Thursday, 4-1, at Davis Diamond.
Georgia (40-16) has lengthened its winning streak to six games, all against Conference opponents.
Kylie Bass (12-3) pitched a complete game in the circle, working seven innings, allowing one run on only two hits. Bass fanned seven while limiting the walks to just two.
At the plate, seven Bulldogs combined for Georgia’s seven hits. Run production came from Alysen Febrey, Lacey Fincher, and Savana Sikes in the contest.
The Bulldogs used two base hits to get a pair of runners on in the second inning. Sikes poked a base hit up the middle to drive in Fincher and put Georgia ahead in the second, 1-0.
Arkansas’ (38-18) Ashley Diaz tied the game with a two-out, solo home run in the top of the third, 1-1.
Georgia reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs. Alyssa DiCarlo doubled to right center with one out. She came in to score on a single dropped into left by Febrey, putting Georgia back in front, 2-1. On the play, Febrey took third on an errant throw to the plate by the left fielder. She tagged and scored on a sacrifice fly to center off the bat of Fincher, 3-1 Georgia after three complete innings.
With two out and Bulldogs on first and second in the bottom half of the sixth, Tyler Armistead initiated a rundown between first and second, allowing pinch runner Amanda Kelley to score, bringing the final tally to 4-1.
Bass retired the Razorbacks in order in the seventh to secure the win and advance in the tournament.
Georgia will turn around and play top-seeded Alabama Thursday evening at 9 p.m., ET, in game eight of the SEC Tournament, weather permitting. The game will be broadcast live on SEC Network.