Mississippi State baseball was without Connor Hujsak in Friday’s series-opening 7-5 loss at Arkansas, and the senior outfielder won’t return for the remainder of the three-game set. Coach Chris Lemonis told reporters after the game that Hujsak tweaked his back this week.

“Hopefully we will have him back next weekend,” Lemonis said.

Despite Hujsak’s absence, the Bulldogs (32-17, 14-11 SEC) were able to get to Arkansas ace Hagen Smith. The left-handed starter lasting only five innings and allowed three runs — all coming on a three-run double from Hunter Hines in the fifth. Mississippi State was the first team to score at least three earned runs against Smith since James Madison accomplished it on Feb. 16.

MSU starter Khal Stephen outlasted Smith. The former Purdue transfer threw seven innings and allowed four runs.

Mississippi State held a 5-4 lead in the eighth inning. However, against relief pitcher Tyson Hardin who hadn’t allowed an earned run in SEC play before Friday, the Razorbacks (41-9, 18-7) rallied for three runs in the penultimate inning to win.

Hujsak’s .349 batting average ranks second on the team while his eight home runs rank third behind Dakota Jordan and Hines. In conference play, Hujsak leads the team with a .387 batting average, which ranked fourth among SEC players entering Friday.

Jordan moved from right field to center with Hujsak out. Aaron Downs, who hasn’t played since an April 21 win against Auburn, started in right field Friday. He was 1-for-5 with a run scored.