(March 28, 2024) East Camden, Arkansas - Coming off a series loss to #20 ASU Mountain Home over the weekend and a rain out on Tuesday, the Bucks were eager to get back on the diamond and back to their recent winning ways this afternoon. The men took on region foe SAU Tech to begin a 3-game series that will conclude on Saturday at Union Bank Field. Last season, the Bucks took all four games against the Rockets. 

Early on the Bucks held a 5-2 lead through four innings and added 4 runs in the top of the fifth, but the Rockets wouldn't go away and put up their own 4-run inning in the bottom of the fifth and added a run in the sixth. The Bucks were holding on to a 9-7 lead in the nineth inning, but the Rockets hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game and force extra innings. Caleb Bryant (North Little Rock, AR) took matters into his own hands and delivered on the first pitch of the top of the 10th inning. The sophomore hit a solo home run to left field to give the Bucks the 10-9 edge. 

Shuto Okumura (Takatsuki, Japan) entered the game in the nineth and came back out for the tenth ininng. The right hander worked a 1, 2, 3 inning to seal the 10-9 win for the Bucks. Okumura (1-2) pitched 1.2 innings, giving up 0 runs on 0 hits and struck out a pair in the win. 

Other Bucks with big days were Brett Justice (Jacksonville, AR) and Diego Archila (Baton Rouge, LA). Justice went 3 for 5 with 3 doubles, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Archila for 2 for 4 with a double, 2 RBIs, and a run scored. 

The Bucks will now host SAU Tech on Saturday in a doubleheader to conclude the 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm at Union Bank Field.

#DefendTheMountain