Mississippi State baseball is among the hottest teams in the SEC having won seven of its past nine conference games. To remain hot, though, a challenge awaits − one that hasn't been kind to MSU in recent history.

No. 15 Mississippi State (32-16, 14-10 SEC) opens a three-game series at No. 3 Arkansas (40-9, 17-7) on Friday. Dating back to 2019, the Razorbacks have won 11 of 12 regular-season meetings against the Bulldogs. MSU hasn't won a series against Arkansas since 2018.

Changing that trend won't be easy, though the Razorbacks have proven to be beatable in the past month. Since opening SEC play with an 11-1 mark, Arkansas has gone 6-6. That stretch includes series losses at Alabama and Kentucky. However, the Razorbacks have remained potent at home. Arkansas is 31-2 in Fayetteville this season.

MORE: Watch Mississippi State baseball vs. Arkansas with ESPN+ (subscribe now)

Mississippi State enters the series in the midst of its best season since 2021. The Bulldogs are on pace to host a regional in the NCAA Tournament, according to D1Baseball.

Wins against a top-five opponent could thrust Mississippi State into a national seed, meaning the Bulldogs could be in line to also host a super regional if they get that far.

Game 1: Arkansas 7, Mississippi State 5

If Arkansas is at home or has Hagen Smith on the mound, the Razorbacks are tough to beat. Mississippi State faced a combination of the two and had a chance to win with a one-run lead in the eighth. Instead, Arkansas rallied in the penultimate frame for a victory. Facing Mississippi State relief pitcher Tyson Hardin – who entered Friday without an earned run allowed in SEC play – the Razorbacks scored three runs. Smith struck out 11 Bulldogs in five innings. He had a clean slate until his final frame of work in which he allowed a three-run double off the bat of Hunter Hines. Smith was matched up against MSU starter Khal Stephen who allowed four runs in seven innings.

Game 2: Mississippi State 8, Arkansas 5

Mississippi State jumped out to an 8-0 lead against Arkansas behind a three-hit night from Dakota Jordan and two-run home runs from Logan Kohler and Amani Larry. The Razorbacks scored five unanswered, but Brooks Augers and Tyler Davis closed the game to secure a win.

Game 3: Arkansas 9, Mississippi State 6

MSU got a big early lead again Sunday, jumping ahead 6-0 in the third inning. However, the Razorbacks got to the Bulldogs' bullpen. Arkansas scored nine unanswered runs, including four in the sixth inning, to win. Mississippi State stranded 12 runners on base and out-hit Arkansas 13-8 in the loss.

What channel is Mississippi State baseball vs. Arkansas on today?

• Friday: SEC Network+

• Saturday: SEC Network+

• Sunday: SEC Network

Mississippi State vs. Arkansas start time

• May 10: 6:30 p.m.

• May 11: 6 p.m.

• May 12: 2 p.m.

Mississippi State vs. Arkansas: Probable pitchers

• Friday: RHP Khal Stephen (7-3, 2.96 ERA) vs. LHP Hagen Smith (9-0, 1.36 ERA)

• Saturday: BHP Jurrangelo Cijntje (7-1, 3.53 ERA) vs. RHP Brady Tygart (4-2, 3.34 ERA)

• Sunday: LHP Pico Kohn (1-0, 3.75 ERA) vs. LHP Mason Molina (3-2, 3.81 ERA)

Mississippi State baseball score update vs. Arkansas

Mississippi State baseball 2024 schedule

Next five opponents for the Bulldogs:

• May 10-12: at Arkansas

• May 14: vs. North Alabama

• May 16-19: vs. Missouri

• May 21-26: SEC tournament (Hoover, Ala.)

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State baseball score updates vs. Arkansas in SEC series