(February 4, 2024) Mena, Arkansas - For the second straight season, the Bucks were scheduled to open with Northeast Texas Community College in a 4-game series. Unlike last season, the Bucks were able to make schedule changes last week to be able to complete the 4-game series. The Bucks and Eagles play at NTCC on Thursday and at Union Bank Field on Friday afternoon. 

Northeast Texas took all four games of the series. The series saw some hightlights for the Bucks, missed opportunities, and areas to improve. The Bucks managed 3 runs in the four games, but it is worth mentioning the Bucks had more chances with runners in scoring position that included 5 times grounding out into double plays, being thrown at the plate twice, and base running errors. Offensively, Aiden McGinnis (Jasper, Alabama) led the Bucks with 4 hits, while three other Bucks had 3 hits in the series. Diego Archila (Baton Rouge, LA) led the Bucks with a pair of extra base hits, and Ian Smith (Bismarck, AR) led the team in RBIs with 2 in the final game. Caleb Bryant (North Little Rock, AR) stole 3 bases in the series. The Bucks had an on-base percentage of .365 that included 9 walks and 8 hit-by-pitches. 

Defensively, the Bucks made 13 errors in the field that resulted in 16 unearned runs for the Eagles. The Bucks did turn 3 double plays in the four games. On the mound, the pitchers struck out 29 hitters with a 5.48 ERA as a staff, but the Bucks hit 17 hitters in the series. Sophomore Austin Rainey (Conway, AR) led the Bucks with 6 Ks, followed by three other pitchers with 5 in their outings.

The Bucks look to get on track this week with a 9-inning road contest at Seminole State College on Tuesday, February 6th. Then, the men play a 3-game series with Arkansas State University Three Rivers. Game One is at Union Bank Field on Friday, February 9th, at 1 pm, followed by a doubleheader in Malvern on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 pm. 

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