Another season comes to an end short of Oklahoma City. The Arkansas softball team lost its Super Regional against Ole Miss, 7-4.
Arkansas softball vs Ole Miss: Super Regional round
Right-hander Payton Burnham received the call to start today's game. Lately, she's been the most consistent pitcher on the team. Yesterday, she pitched all seven innings in the shutout against Ole Miss in game two.
However, in game three, Burnham made it through halfway, pitching 3.2 innings and giving up five earned runs—four of which happened in the first inning. Robyn Herron came in relief but gave up two in the remaining 3.1 innings.
The approach at the plate initially kept up with the Rebels. Ella McDowell walked in a run in the first after Ole Miss walked the bases loaded. And in the second inning, the Hogs tied it up. Back-to-back singles put runners on first and second, and Courtney Day hit a two-RBI single. Kailey Wyckoff followed her up with another single, scoring another run.
Unfortunately, righty Aliyah Binford shut the Razorbacks' offense down. Arkansas batters were retired in order in the third through sixth innings. In the seventh, Bri Ellis, who has struggled all postseason, drew a walk. Brinford followed up with back-to-back strikeouts to close the game.
This marks the fourth time in eight seasons Arkansas has failed to make it out of the Super Regional round. All but the Super Regional in 2018 have been in Fayetteville. Year by year, Courtney Deifel has grown the program, making it one of the best in the country. It won't be long before the Hogs make it over the Super Region hump. But unfortunately, Razorback fans will have to wait until next season before Arkansas Softball has another chance.
A previous version of this article claimed Ole Miss pitcher Brianna Lopez finished the game for the Rebels. It was actually Aliyah Binford who finished. This version has been corrected to reflect that fact.