Preview: Georgia Bulldogs (30-8) at Arkansas Razorbacks (25-13)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (Interstat) — A pivotal Southeastern Conference series opens Thursday as the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs visit Baum-Walker Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Georgia (30-8, 10-5 SEC), riding high after a 12-10 midweek win over East Tennessee State, brings one of the nation’s top records into the weekend. The Bulldogs have won eight of their last 10, including a series victory at Mississippi State. Their offense erupted for 28 runs against Presbyterian on April 7.

Arkansas (25-13, 8-7) seeks to build momentum after sweeping a three-game set at Alabama last weekend and a run-rule win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday. The Razorbacks’ potent lineup is led by designated hitter Kuhio Aloy, who drove in four runs in that midweek victory. Aloy is 7 for 16 (.438) with five RBIs over his last five games.

A key player to watch for Georgia is reliever Paul Farley. The right-hander has been dominant in three of his last four outings, allowing just one hit and zero earned runs over 9.2 innings in those appearances, while struggling in two brief outings mixed in. His role could be crucial in a tight contest.

The Bulldogs’ offense is powered by hot hitters like Henry Allen, who homered and drove in three runs Tuesday, and Bryce Calloway, who added three RBIs.

Arkansas will counter with a pitching staff that held Alabama to just 13 total runs last weekend. Relievers Colin Fisher and Mark Brissey combined for 5.1 scoreless innings in Tuesday’s win.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this series opener projects as a high-scoring affair, favoring Georgia 8-6.

The series continues Friday and Saturday. Georgia travels to Georgia Tech next Tuesday, while Arkansas hosts Missouri State.