(February 25, 2023) Warner, Oklahoma - The Bucks are coming off a loss on Tuesday at Eastern Oklahoma State. Eastern is in Region II, but the Mountaineers compete in Division I. The Bucks opponents this afternoon was also a Division I Region II school, Connors State College. The Cowboys entered today's contest 12-1 on the young season, while the Bucks were 3-3. To this point in the season, the Bucks have lost 5 games and schedule today's contest to replace one of their missed contest. 

There are three story lines for today's contest: The Bucks couldn't overcome a big first inning for the Cowboys, the Bucks walked 10 hitters, or the Bucks stranded 8 runners on the day. Either way, the scheduled 9-inning contest lasted 7-innings, and the Bucks were defeated 13-1. 

Connors State scored 6 runs in the bottom of the first inning off starting pitcher Trent Smith (Longview, TX). This was Smith's first start of the season and second appearance. The freshmen is in the rotation at first base as well. He would only last 3.0 innings, giving up another run in the bottom of the third. Smith (0-1) gave up 7 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits, while walking 4 and only striking out a hitter. 

The Bucks scratched across their only run in the top of the fourth off a Blake Ritter (Ashdown, AR) fielder's choice. The Cowboys added 5 more runs in the fifth and another in the sixth to seal the 13-1 win over UARM.

The Bucks have a quick turnaround with a pair of 7-inning contests on Monday, February 27th, against Arkansas Tech's JV. First game is scheduled for 12 pm at Union Bank Field.

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