FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. -- Ace Kimmy Beasley limited Butler to just two hits, and host Arkansas pulled away to an 8-1 victory over the Bulldogs in the opening round of the 2014 Arkansas Invitational on Thursday (Feb. 13).  The setback dropped Butler to 2-3 on the young season.

Beasley, who posted 171 strikeouts in 128 innings a year ago, was in control from the start.  She blanked the Bulldogs on no hits through the first five innings, before surrendering a single run in the sixth.  She finished the seven-inning contest with 10 strikeouts and two walks, while allowing just two hits.

Butler pinch-hitter Cassie Rupel broke up the no-hitter in the top of the sixth with an infield single, and she advanced to second on a ground out by Krosley Ogden.  Freshman Chelsea Norwood then broke up the shutout with a run-scoring double to right field.

Beasley retired the Bulldogs in order in the seventh inning to record her first 2014 victory.

Arkansas (4-3) jumped in front in the first inning with a pair of runs on two hits off of Butler starter Kristin Gutierrez.  The Razorbacks added single runs in the second and third innings and then scored twice each in the fifth and sixth frames.  Amanda Geile and Parker Pockington each had a solo home run in the contest.

Gutierrez allowed four runs on five hits through two-and-two-thirds innings, before giving way to Leah Bry, who gave up four runs on seven hits over the final three-and-a-third innings.

Butler will continue play in the tournament with a single game on Friday, Feb. 14.  The Bulldogs will face Jackson State at 11 a.m. (CT).