Arkansas drops SEC opener to Ole Miss

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Preston Overbey homered and drove in four runs, while Ole Miss starter Bobby Wahl worked seven strong innings as the eighth-ranked Rebels downed No. 15 Arkansas 7-1 in the Southeastern Conference opener on Friday night at Baum Stadium.

Arkansas drops to 13-6, 0-1 in league play, while Ole Miss improves to 19-1, 1-0 in conference.

Wahl (5-0) earned the win on the mound, striking out five and allowing one run on three hits in seven innings of work. Arkansas starter Trey Killian (2-2) took the loss, giving up seven runs on five hits in two innings.

The Razorback relief combo of Landon Simpson and Thomas Altimont combined to toss six shutout innings. Simpson struck out four in five scoreless frames, while Altimont had a strikeout in his one shutout inning.

Offensively, Jacob Mahan, Tyler Spoon and Matt Vinson each had one hit for the Razorbacks. Spoon also added a RBI and extended his reached base streak to 19 straight games.

Overbey hit his first career grand slam and went 2-for-4 at the plate with four RBI. Sikes Orvis also homered for the Rebesls, while Will Allen and Stuart Turner each added two hits.

The Razorbacks struck first with a run in the bottom of the first. Mahan led off the inning with a double down the left field line and advanced to third on a ground out to second by Dominic Ficociello. Spoon then lined a single to center to score Mahan with the game's first run.

Ole Miss answered with four runs in the top of the second. With one out, Andrew Mistone singled and advanced to third on a single to right by Allen. A walk to Will Jamison loaded the bases with two out for Overbey, who sent a 2-1 pitch over the wall in left field for a grand slam to give the Rebels a 4-1 lead.

Arkansas had a chance to cut into the lead in the bottom of the second. The Razorbacks loaded the bases with two out and Ficociello laced a liner to center, but Auston Bousfield was there to make the grab to end the threat.

The Rebels extended their lead to 7-1 with three runs in the fourth. Orvis led off the inning with a solo home run over the center field wall. Allen followed with a single and Jamison drew a walk to put runners on first and second. A wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third. After a strikeout of Overbey, Tanner Mathis drove in a run on a ground out to the pitcher. Bousfield then doubled to the left field corner to score Jamison.

The runs in the fourth were the last ones scored in the game. Simpson worked five scoreless innings of relief for the Razorbacks in relief, while Altimont pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Arkansas and Ole Miss continue the series on Saturday afternoon at 2:05. The Razorbacks will start senior left hander Randall Fant (0-0, 0.90), while the Rebels will start junior righty Mike Mayers (2-0, 1.52). Only general admission tickets remain for Saturday's game. General admission tickets are $8 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-982-HOGS (4647), by visiting ArkansasRazorbacks.com or on gameday at Baum Stadium, while supplies last.

For more information regarding Razorback baseball or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.