Kearney's late blast leads Georgia to win over Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Junior Jayda Kearney's seventh inning three-run home run lifted 14th-ranked Georgia to 4-3 comeback victory over No. 8 Arkansas Thursday evening at Bogle Park.
Georgia climbs to 30-7 in 2023 and 10-2 in SEC play.
Junior Madison Kerpics pitched three innings in her start, allowing three runs on four hits. Sophomore Kylie Macy (3-1) earned the victory in relief. Macy pitched four hitless, shutout innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Georgia's offense out-hit the Razorbacks 7-4 in the contest, led by two hits from Sara Mosley. Kearney's seventh inning home run was her team-leading 14th of the season.
Arkansas' (27-10, 8-5) Cylie Halvorson hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the first to put the Razorbacks on the board, 2-0. It was the first home run the Georgia pitching staff has allowed since March 17 at Texas A&M.
The Dawgs produced a run in the bottom of the third to cut the Arkansas lead in half. Marisa Miller led off with a hit to right. She was bunted to second by Ellie Armistead then went to third on a bunt for a hit by Dallis Goodnight. Mosley doubled down the left field line to plate Miller, 2-1.
The Razorbacks got the run back in the bottom of the inning on a two-out double from Kacie Hoffmann, going back in front by two, 3-1.
Looking to rally in the seventh, Armistead reached on a one-out single then Mosley singled through the right side with two out. Down to her final strike, Kearney lined a shot to right, over the wall for a three-run home run to give Georgia a 4-3 lead.
Macy retired the Razorbacks in order in the bottom of the inning en route to the win.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs and Razorbacks square off in game two of the series Friday evening at Bogle Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m., ET, streaming live on SEC Network+.